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What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking: An Enduring Testament to African-American Culinary Heritage
Abby Fisher was an African-American cook and former enslaved woman who, despite being unable to read or write, authored one of the earliest known cookbooks by a Black American. Born in South Carolina and later relocating to San Francisco after the Civil War, Fisher gained renown for her cooking and food preservation skills, winning awards at state fairs and exhibitions. In 1881, she dictated her recipes and knowledge to others, resulting in the publication of What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking. Her work provides an invaluable firsthand record of Southern cuisine and domestic practice in the 19th century, rooted in African-American traditions and lived experience.
What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking offers over 150 recipes that reflect the flavors, techniques, and resourcefulness of Southern kitchens during and after the era of slavery. From pickles and preserves to savory dishes and sweets, Fisher's instructions are rich in flavor and cultural significance, preserving a legacy that was often passed down orally. More than a cookbook, the volume serves as a cultural document that honors the contributions of African-American women to American food history. Rescued from obscurity and celebrated today by culinary historians, Fisher's work stands as a vital link to the roots of Southern cooking and Black heritage.
