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Food Poetry

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The Emily Dickinson Cookbook:

Recipes from Emily's Table Alongside the Poems That Inspire Them

Bring the mysterious and magical world of Emily Dickinson into your home by making the comforting foods that Emily loved to cook.

Whether you are a fan of the hit television series Dickinson or have long been inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poems, this enchanting cookbook brings Emily to life as little else could. A distinguished food historian said this about Emily: “She was probably better known as a baker than a poet in her lifetime.” Remarkably, that is true! Emily wrote her poetry in the kitchen of her home in Massachusetts and was cooking up a storm much of the time. She wrote poems on the wrappers of packages of chocolate that she had ordered for baking; and she wrote recipes in her notebooks of poems. Food and cooking were central to Emily’s identity and were woven into her vocation of writing poetry.

The more than 50 recipes in this colorful and lavishly illustrated book include recipes that Emily recorded during her life, other recipes we know she and her family enjoyed, and recipes typical of the New England of her time. All are completely updated for today’s cooks. Throughout, you will also find inspiring poems by Emily, some about food specifically, others that provide poetic inspiration for the recipes in this volume. 

This charming cookbook makes a perfect gift for the Emily fan in your life—or for yourself, if you happen to love Emily and the comforting foods of days gone by.

MY REVIEW

THE EMILY DICKINSON COOKBOOK is just the delight I had hoped it would be. I learned much more than I already knew of the poet, including the fact she cooked as well as she wrote.

I have the sense this book was a labor of love for author, Arlyn Osborne. Short at just 112 pages, this more-than-a-recipe book still manages to include a wealth of information, recipes, and photos. Each recipe comes with a brief look into Emily’s life, and her poetry that connects to the dish.

 Here are a few recipes you’ll find . . . Spicy Skillet Hash, Sticky Backed Peaches, Jasmine Tea Biscuits, Cherry Scones, Winter Garden Vegetable Soup, Irish Stew, Mushroom Pox Pie, Pan-Fried Cod Cakes, Graham Bread, Little Dinner Rolls, Federal Cake, Cream Puffs, and more.

Beautiful color photos accentuate the book and serve to bring this story of Emily Dickinson together in a sensory journey that will leave you feeling sated, yet wanting more.

Arlyn is a recipe developer and food writer who studied at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. When she’s not working, she’s probably lost in a period drama or out in the garden using her hands instead of a shovel.

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