Rufus Estes' Good Things to Eat: The First Cookbook by an African-American Chef (Dover Cookbooks)

By Rufus Estes

Book Overview

Immerse Yourself in Time-tested Culinary Treats

Rufus Estes' Good Things to Eat, the first cookbook by an African American chef, has stood the test of time. Originally published in 1911, it showcases a highly accomplished African American chef and offers a fascinating glimpse into early-twentieth-century American cooking.

Estes was born into slavery in Tennessee in 1857. After the Civil War he began working as a railway attendant at the luxurious Pullman Palace Car Company, where he eventually became head chef. His cooking was renowned for its quality and creativity, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the country's best chefs.

Good Things to Eat covers a wide range of dishes, from soups and salads to desserts, preserves, and candies. Estes describes how to cook each dish, and gives practical advice on everything from ingredient selection to cooking techniques.

Reflecting the tastes and trends of early-twentieth-century American cuisine, Good Things to Eat shows the strong influence of French cuisine and other international tastes, but also features Southern recipes. Among the hundreds of recipes found here are such classics as Potatoes Lyonnaise, Chicken Pot Pie, Scotch eggs, and crullers, yet also dishes unusual to contemporary tastes, such as Smoked Beef with Cream, Turkey Truffles, Sardine Butter, Plum Porridge, Macaroni with Apricots, Green Melon Saute, Fried Parsley, Cherry Dumplings, and Raisin Fudge.

Rufus Estes' Good Things to Eat is a must-read for anyone interested in the art and history of American cooking, and in creating good things to eat

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a paperback (ISBN 1648371094).

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1648371884
• ISBN13: 9781648371882
• Release Date: May 2023
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Rufus Estes Good Things to Eat

The cookbooks was very interesting. i found receipes that my grandmother used many years ago when i was a small child. Good Eats and flavorful dishes too!

Must Have!

It is an honor for me to purchase a cookbook written by the first published African American chef. I am looking forward to duplicating the dishes... He made it so easy to follow so anyone can do this.

History through a cookbook

This is more than a cookbook (because most recipes you can't recreate), it is a historical account of life as a slave cook.

It's refreshing to read a title from the past

Dover Publications has reprinted Rufus Estes' Good Things to Eat: The First Cookbook by an African-American Chef, the first cookbook by an Afro-American chef, returning this time-lost 1911 culinary classic to print. It's refreshing to read a title from the past which doesn't skimp on the lard or the fats, and intriguing to read about Estes' Southern childhood and early years as a railway attendant, while the easy recipes for Baked Milk (an early form of custard), or Parsnip Fritters.