Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches

"Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches" by Eliza Leslie is a detailed cookbook from the 1800s, acting as a guide for cooking in American homes, packed with recipes using ingredients commonly found in the United States. Leslie focuses on easy to understand directions, intending to help all levels of cooks create many different meals. At the start, the book contains a preface which explains that after her previous book's success, the author wanted to create a larger collection of recipes. It stresses the importance of measuring ingredients correctly and creates a tone of down to earth advice suitable for all kitchens, regardless of budget. Leslie describes important cooking rules, like using the right tools alongside accurate weights and measurements. The introduction suggests a wide range of recipes are included, covering things like soups, meats, veggies, and baked goods, showing the varied and rich food culture of the time.