From 17th-century author Hannah Woolley to Alice Waters today, Anne Willan traces the evolution of American cuisine through profiles of 12 essential women cookbook writers. Included in this illustrated collection are biographical texts on such figures as Fannie Farmer, Irma Rombauer, Julia Child, Edna Lewis, and Marcella Hazan, plus 40 representative recipes that show the range of these remarkable chefs.

"The stories of these women are both informative and inspiring…. A reminder that the love of delicious food and the care and preparation that goes into it can create a common bond."—Booklist