Hannah Glasse: Culinary Pioneer and Author of ‘The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Hannah Glasse (28 March 1708 – 1 September 1770) was an English cookery writer of the 18th century. Her first cookery book, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, published in 1747, became the best-selling recipe book that century.
Life and Career
Hannah was born in London on 28 March 1708, the daughter of Isaac Allgood, a landowner from Northumberland. She married John Glasse, a Dubliner and a clerk of the Cheque at the Royal Hospital, in 1724. The couple had ten children, but only five survived to adulthood. After her husband’s death in 1747, Hannah had financial difficulties and had to sell her share of her husband’s business to pay her debts.
In 1747, Hannah published her first book, “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy.” It was an instant success and went through numerous editions and revisions, with the final edition being published in 1784, fourteen years after her death. The book was written in simple language and contained practical advice for household cooks, as well as recipes for a wide variety of dishes, including soups, meats, vegetables, and desserts.
Hannah’s book was unique in its approach to cooking. Unlike other cookbooks of the time, which were written for wealthy households and contained complicated recipes with expensive ingredients, Hannah’s book was aimed at the middle classes and contained simple, affordable recipes that could be easily prepared at home.
Hannah’s book was also notable for its focus on healthy eating. She recommended the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and advocated for a balanced diet that included plenty of fruits and vegetables. In addition to her cookbook, Hannah also wrote other books, including “The Servants’ Directory” and “The Compleat Confectioner.” She was also known for her philanthropy and was involved in charitable work throughout her life.
Hannah Glasse’s legacy as a cookery writer and advocate for healthy eating has endured to this day. Her book, “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy,” is still considered a classic of English cookery and is widely available in modern editions. Hannah’s emphasis on simple, affordable, and healthy cooking has influenced generations of home cooks and continues to be relevant today.
She died on 1 September 1770 at age of 62 in London, England.
Award and Legacy
Hannah Glasse’s contribution to the world of cookery and the culinary arts has been recognized in a number of ways over the years. Here are some examples of awards and honors she has received and her lasting legacy:
- Induction into the Culinary Hall of Fame: In 2017, Hannah Glasse was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to the culinary arts and her pioneering work in making cooking accessible to the middle classes.
- Commemorative plaque: In 2009, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in London to honor Hannah Glasse and her contribution to English cookery.
- Influence on other cookery writers: Hannah Glasse’s work has influenced generations of cookery writers, including Isabella Beeton, who was inspired by Glasse’s approach to simple, practical cookery.
- Enduring popularity of her book: Hannah Glasse’s book, “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy,” continues to be popular to this day, with numerous reprints and editions available. It is considered a classic of English cookery and has influenced the way many people cook and eat.
- Legacy in the culinary world: Hannah Glasse’s emphasis on simple, healthy, and affordable cooking has had a lasting impact on the culinary world. Her work has inspired countless home cooks and professional chefs alike to focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and to make cooking accessible to everyone.
Overall, Hannah Glasse’s legacy as a cookery writer and advocate for healthy, affordable cooking has endured to this day. Her work has had a lasting impact on the culinary world and continues to inspire people around the world to cook and eat in a simple, healthy, and sustainable way.
On 28 March 2018, Google celebrated Hannah Glasse’s 310th Birthday with a doodle.
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