Gentlemen's Dinner - with ladies

At times, a Gentleman’s Dinner would be just that... only men such as a Social Club [as seen in painting The Dinner Party, Henry Sargent, c1821 in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston] or many dining establishments. Other times in private homes, the female family members might attend.

Rose Geraniums

Rose Geranium leaves can be used to flavor jelly, cakes, sugar and other recipes. So too with other scented geraniums.... Nutmeg geranium makes a very nice jelly, as does Ginger.  In 1803...

Research at Historical Societies and Manuscript cookbooks in print

There is a wealth of information in historical societies, from large old state collections, such as Maryland’s, started in 1844, to a one room local county. The oldest, founded in 1791, is the Massachusetts Historical Society.  Below, is a list of manuscript cookbooks in print.

Gardener for the Kitchen Garden of the President's House

"I remember the towering rage displayed by Major Watt [in charge of garden] when Tad [Lincoln] ate up all the strawberries being forced for a state dinner. ...