The Modern Housewife or, Ménagère Comprising Nearly One Thousand Receipts, for the Economic and Judicious Preparation of Every Meal of the Day, with those of The Nursery and Sick Room, and Minute Directions for Family Management in All its Branches.

"The Modern Housewife or, Ménagère" by Alexis Soyer is a detailed handbook from the 1800s designed to teach housewives how to handle their kitchens and homes. It includes almost a thousand recipes for all kinds of meals—from everyday dinners all the way to special foods for kids and people who are ill. The book shares tips not just for cooking but also for running a household smoothly. The story begins with a talk between two women that introduces what Soyer believes about making good food without spending a lot of money; he wanted it that way so middle-class families could enjoy tasty, French-style cooking without emptying their wallets.