Discover the culinary delights that await within Wilson Library's extensive North Carolina cookbook collection. From sweet potato casserole to macaroni and cheese and pumpkin pie, these recipes offer a glimpse into the past and a celebration of Southern cuisine.

Uncover the Flavors of a Century in Wilson Library's Cookbook Collection

Introduction to the 1900s Cookbook "The Twin-City Housewife"

Alison Barnett ’03, the University Libraries business services coordinator, takes pride in highlighting one of the standout cookbooks from the collection. The first few pages of "The Twin-City Housewife," published in the early 1900s, are adorned with food splatters, providing a unique window into the lives of our ancestors. It showcases what people were proud of and how they cooked more than a century ago. Somebody used this book, loved it, and even made their own notations and recipe changes. It's a precious artifact that tells a story of a bygone era.

As Barnett points out, this cookbook offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives and culinary preferences of people from that time. It gives us an understanding of the best practices for housekeeping and managing servants, which were essential aspects of life back then.

North Carolina Cookbooks: A Historical and Recent Tapestry

The North Carolina cookbook collection is a diverse and fascinating blend of historic and recent works. It features cookbooks that are deeply rooted in North Carolina's culinary heritage, as well as those that showcase the essence of Southern cooking. Ranging from the mid-1800s to the present day, these books offer a comprehensive view of the state's culinary evolution.

Some of the cookbooks guide us on how to best set up our homes, suggesting that a kitchen near a running creek is ideal for keeping perishables cool. Others present recipes from beloved Chapel Hill restaurants like Crook's Corner and Mama Dips, adding a local flavor to the collection.

Michael Jordan's Crabcake Canapes: A Unique Gem

Among the many treasures in the North Carolina Collection is Michael Jordan's recipe for crabcake canapes. This unexpected addition showcases the diverse range of recipes within the collection and adds a touch of celebrity to the culinary mix.

It's fascinating to think that even a sports icon like Michael Jordan had his own recipe to share. This recipe not only represents his personal taste but also becomes a part of the library's historical culinary archive.

Enlightenment from Older Cookbooks

Older books in the collection offer valuable insights. As Barnett explains, a book from the 1800s is often an indication of wealth, as books were expensive during that time. The content often focuses on housekeeping and servant management, reflecting the social structure of the era.

These older cookbooks provide a unique perspective on how cooking was practiced and valued in the past. They offer a glimpse into the lives of those who owned and used these books, adding depth and context to our understanding of culinary history.

Acquisition Methods and the Future of the Collection

Barnett and the curators at Wilson Library acquire new works for the collection through various means, including eBay, antique booksellers, and people cleaning out their relatives' attics. This continuous acquisition ensures that the collection remains vibrant and relevant.

When we collect, we think about the past for people living right now. As Barnett reminds her student assistants, we should consider how the collection will be viewed 100 years from now. What we do today is not only interesting today but will also have significance in the future.

Unique Recipes for Thanksgiving

Over the years, Barnett and her colleagues have brought some of the more unique recipes to life through team cooking challenges. While some creations received mixed reviews, there are a few gems that are sure to impress at the Thanksgiving table this year.

Angus Monds' mom's dressing from the "Columbus County Cookbook II" by Dana G. Highsmith, 1995, adds a local touch to the Thanksgiving spread. The pumpkin pie from the "Cook Book" compiled by the Black Mountain Junior Woman's Club in 1956 is a classic that never fails to delight. And Maw Maw's sweet potato pie from "My Mother's Southern Desserts" by James Villas with Martha Pearl Villas in 1998 is a must-try for dessert lovers.

For more on the North Carolina collection, explore University Libraries' digitized collection of cookbooks.