The Sarah Allen Cookbook [Cover title] African Americana,Culinary,Religion,Women

8½" x 10½". Blue pictorial wrappers. Pp. 90 + 14 unnumbered section dividers. Very good with wrappers somewhat chipped, scuffed and spotted; penciled owner notation to first page, else internally fresh. This is a rare creation, not only a fabulous cookbook but also a rich resource on the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Canada. An introduction from Edythe Primm, Supervisor of the District's Women's Missionary Society shared the motivation for the work: "Because of my love and respect for Sarah Allen, the wife of our first Bishop, Richard Allen . . . It is my hope that the entire Connection will accept this Cookbook as another dimension of our A.M.E. History, as an opportunity to know each other better, and we as Missionary women, must continue in the tradition of Sarah Allen, and try to help meet the physical needs of those who surround us." While the book is divided into sections of "Favorite Recipes" from both the Reverends and the Missionary Societies throughout the District, an index at the rear reveals a total of 246 recipes in 18 culinary categories. Beverages include "Richard Allen Spice Tea" and a "Soul Warmer," and there are entries for "Bishops Bread," "Bible Cake," "Casseroles and One-Dish Meals," "Tamale Tub Boats," "Greens-Greens-Greens," "Oven-Chicken Whirlibirds" and "The Spice of Life Variety Salad." Sweets play the largest role, with separate sections for "Candy," "Cookies," "Cakes and Frostings," "Puddings," "Pies and Pastries," as well as just "Desserts." The book also lists the Cookbook Committee Chairwomen, Conference and District Officers, and the recipe sections named the pastors and their churches for each region. Additional chapters include a biographical sketch of Sarah Allen, "Recipes from Richard and Sarah Allen's Day" (with lists of common ingredients and helpful household tips), "Amounts to Buy When Serving 50" and "Spiritual Food for Thought." The last offers "Bible Prescription," "Life's Recipe," "How to Preserve a Husband" and aphorisms such as "Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter" and "If people speak ill of you, live so that nobody will believe them." There are charming line drawings of food items and district maps, and four blank pages at the rear for "Your Own Special Recipes." Edythe Primm served as Supervisor of the Women's Missionary Society of the Fourth Episcopal District from 1968 until her death in 1975, allowing for our date attribution. A rare resource for AME history and culinary expertise. OCLC shows two holdings of the physical book.