Published in Cincinnati in 1875, this volume in the American Antiquarian Cookbook Collection is a classic example of a mid-nineteenth century charity cookbook, compiled by local women from family recipes and published in service of a particular benevolent goal, in this case, the Missionary Society of the Southern Presbyterian Church in Paris, Kentucky.

  

 Several hundred recipes compiled by the Ladies of the Presbyterian Church in Paris, Kentucky, to raise funds for the Missionary Society include a complete range of dishes from soup to nuts. The introduction notes that the Blue Grass region of Kentucky is “considered the garden-spot of the State. It is celebrated for the fertility of its soil, the beauty of its pastures . . . and last, but not least, for the hospitality of its people and their table luxuries,” which are then richly described in the book. Over forty women who contributed recipes are acknowledged by name at the beginning of the book, and throughout, many of the recipes are attributed to their donors. The book also includes over 40 ads for local commercial establishments that, presumably, contributed funds for publication of the book.