How to Cook Husbands

by Elizabeth Strong Worthington

"How to Cook Husbands" by Elizabeth Strong Worthington is a humorous novel written in the late 19th century. The book takes a whimsical approach to marriage and domestic life, presenting a blend of satire and practical advice aimed at women who are contemplating the challenges of marriage. The main character appears to be a thirty-four-year-old unmarried woman who reflects on marriage, family life, and the complexities involved in maintaining a husband's happiness, effectively likening it to a culinary art. The opening portion of the book introduces readers to a playful recipe for "cooking" husbands, suggesting that they require careful management to thrive in a marital setting. The narrator reflects on a humorous newspaper recipe, contemplating her own experience with domestic management and the difficulties of relationships. As she muses about having a husband and the trials of managing a household, she draws vivid analogies between cooking and the nuances of marriage, giving insights into her thoughts about love, companionship, and the dynamics of gender roles in her society. The tone is light-hearted, yet it subtly addresses deeper themes of loneliness, longing for companionship, and the expectations placed upon women.