Cookbook Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ð
cookbook
[ËkÊkËbÊk ]
Definition
recipe collection
A cookbook is a book containing a collection of recipes, instructions, and advice on how to prepare various dishes. It often includes information on cooking techniques, ingredients, and serving suggestions. Cookbooks can vary widely in scope and range from general to specialized food-related subjects.
Synonyms
cooking book, recipe book.
Examples of usage
- I bought a new cookbook to try out some Italian recipes.
- Her cookbook features vegan dishes that are easy to prepare.
- The library has an extensive collection of cookbooks from around the world.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary Arts
- Cookbooks can be specialized, focusing on themes like baking, vegetarian meals, or ethnic cuisines.
- With the rise of the internet, many chefs now share recipes online, but cookbooks remain cherished for their tangible format and easy browsing.
- The 'Joy of Cooking', first published in 1931, is a seminal cookbook that has sold over 18 million copies, becoming a staple in American kitchens.
Cultural Impact
- Cookbooks often reflect the culture and traditions of the time, showcasing popular ingredients, cooking methods, and meal practices.
- Some cookbooks aim to preserve traditional recipes and methods, helping to keep culinary heritage alive in changing societies.
Technology
- The shift towards digital cookbooks has led to the development of cooking apps that can create shopping lists based on chosen recipes.
- Smart kitchen devices can now sync with digital cookbooks to provide step-by-step cooking instructions, enhancing the cooking experience.
Psychology
- Cooking from a cookbook can induce a state of mindfulness, reducing stress by focusing on the task and ingredients at hand.
- People who enjoy cooking often find satisfaction and accomplishment in following a recipe, leading to a positive emotional experience.
Origin of 'cookbook'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cookbook' combines 'cook', which comes from the Old English 'coc', meaning 'to prepare food', and 'book', from the Old English 'boc', meaning 'written work'.
- The earliest known cookbook, 'Apicius', dates back to the 4th or 5th century AD and contains Roman recipes.
The term 'cookbook' originates from the combination of 'cook' and 'book'. The word 'cook' dates back to the Latin 'coquere', meaning 'to cook', while 'book' comes from the Old English 'bÅc', referring to a written work or collection of information. Cookbooks as we know them began to appear in print in the 18th century, with notable titles like Eliza Acton's 'Modern Cookery' (1845). They became a staple in American households alongside the rise of home cooking, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries as women began to take on the role of primary family cooks. Additionally, with the advent of television cooking shows and the internet, the development of cookbooks has evolved, incorporating diverse cuisines and modern cooking techniques, making them ever more popular.