Twenty-Five Cent Dinners for Families of Six ebook

Twenty-Five Cent Dinners for Families of Six is a practical and resourceful cookbook first published in the late 19th century by Juliet Corson, a pioneering advocate for economical and nutritious home cooking. Aimed at families of modest means, the book provides a comprehensive guide to preparing wholesome, satisfying meals for six people on a daily budget of just twenty-five cents—a remarkable feat even in its own era. Corson’s work is grounded in the belief that good nutrition and delicious food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income. The book opens with an introduction that addresses the challenges faced by working-class families and offers encouragement and advice on how to make the most of limited resources. Corson emphasizes the importance of careful planning, smart shopping, and efficient cooking techniques. She provides detailed instructions on how to select affordable ingredients, store food properly, and minimize waste, ensuring that every penny is stretched to its fullest potential. Within its pages, readers will find a wide array of recipes for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, each designed to be both economical and nourishing. The recipes cover a variety of dishes, including hearty soups, stews, porridges, breads, and simple desserts, all made from common, inexpensive ingredients such as grains, beans, vegetables, and modest cuts of meat. Each recipe is accompanied by clear, step-by-step directions, making them accessible even to novice cooks. In addition to recipes, the book offers practical advice on meal planning, time management in the kitchen, and the nutritional value of different foods. Corson also includes sample menus and suggestions for adapting recipes to suit seasonal availability and family preferences. Her tone is warm and encouraging, reflecting her genuine desire to help families eat well without overspending. Twenty-Five Cent Dinners for Families of Six stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of home cooks. It remains a valuable historical document, offering insight into the domestic life and culinary practices of its time, while its core message of thrift, nutrition, and care for one’s family continues to resonate with readers today.