The accomplisht cook

Groundbreaking Organization: Published in 1660, The Accomplisht Cook was a landmark cookbook for several reasons. It was the first English cookbook to organize recipes logically into 24 sections, making it easier for cooks to navigate and find what they needed.

Culinary Authority: May, a professional cook who worked for English nobility, compiled his extensive knowledge and experience into this book.

Focus on Variety: The Accomplisht Cook was the largest English cookbook of its time, offering a vast collection of recipes for various dishes, including:

• Meats (boiled, roasted, fried)
• Fish (with dedicated sections for specific types like carp, pike, salmon)
• Poultry
• Vegetables (including a section devoted to artichokes)
• Sauces
• Puddings
• Pastries
• Salads

Early Adopter of New Ingredients: The book interestingly includes recipes featuring some of the first ingredients introduced to Europe from the Americas, such as potatoes and turkeys.

Historical Significance: The Accomplisht Cook offers valuable insights into the culinary practices and preferences of the English upper class during the Restoration period. It's also considered a reliable source for understanding cooking techniques and ingredients of that era.

Legacy: May's work had a lasting influence on English cookery, inspiring later generations of cooks and cookbook authors.