Choice Cookery

by Catherine Owen

"Choice Cookery" by Catherine Owen is a culinary guide written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a comprehensive manual for those looking to elevate their cooking skills beyond basic family meals, focusing on elaborate and refined dishes. It contains a wealth of recipes and cooking techniques aimed at women who aspire to be more independent in their kitchen, thus enhancing their ability to host and entertain with style. The opening of "Choice Cookery" provides an insightful introduction that clarifies the book's intent: to assist women in mastering what the author terms "choice cookery," which seeks to showcase impressive dishes that do not have to be prohibitively expensive. Owen emphasizes the importance of sauces and foundational cooking techniques, arguing that the most elegant meals often rely on a few well-mastered elements rather than extravagant ingredients. The preface outlines the intended audience and purpose, while the introduction sets the groundwork for understanding the principles of fine cooking that will be explored in the subsequent chapters.