1885 Prof. La Fayette's French or Paris Family Cookbook

"In this work, the reader will find a genuine French family cook book, giving French recipes and instructions, together with the latest scientific discoveries regarding bread making, canning, etc. etc."

In this cookbook from 1885, Professor La Fayette hoped to give American homemakers an affordable French cookbook. In his book introduction, the prof explains, "The writer, in a trip through England and America in 1884, had his attention repeatedly called to the demand for a reasonable priced (i.e. $1.50 to $2.00 a copy) French cook book, because the French cook books on sale cost from $5 to $7.50 a copy, too high-priced for the average family." 

La Fayette worries about the health of his readers, cautioning restraint in the consumption of foods of "unwholesome character," for example, Plum Puddings.  He also suggests light consumption of pickles and catsups. "Pickles are wholesome when properly prepared, but should be eaten very sparingly, and the same is true of catsups."

In spite of that warning, there is a very old, tanned newspaper clipping tucked in between pages 136-137 for "Fruit Pudding" !!! What would the Professor think?! 

Here is the Professor's recipe for 

Home-Made Worcestershire Sauce

Mix and run through a sieve 3 anchovies, and 3 shallots chopped fine, with 3 teaspoons of red pepper, 2 tablespoons of strained tomato catsup, 1 quart of vinegar, and half a teaspoon full of powdered cloves;

put this in a jar and set the jar in a kettle of boiling water; when it gets so warm you can not hold your finger in it, strain, and let it remain in the jar for 2 days, well covered, then bottle it.

For reasons of health, La Fayette suggests spending an hour and a-half at the table for meals, "no one should eat a meal in less than thirty to forty minutes." 

Here is a peek at a 17-course menu from the time that would be served at a "state or ceremonial dinner:

Professor Eugene La Fayette's French or Paris Family Cook Book is a hard cover with 160 pages of recipes and one short segment on "the prevention and cure of cholera."

Here is his recipe for Apple Butter:

And, finally, here is the Professor's pickle recipe. If only his book had a photo of Professor La Fayette! Do you think he had a twirly, old timey mustache? And, we would love to be able to hear his voice. We're imagining a thick French accent. Here is his recipe for how to can pickles - enjoy!