Today, we are going to step back in time and do a little 1930s Cooking from the White House Cookbook.
There’s something magical about old books—especially the kind you don’t expect to find. I was wandering through one of my favorite vintage and antique shops recently, just enjoying a quiet moment, when I spotted them: about ten copies of The White House Cookbook, neatly lined up on a shelf. Most of them weren’t worn or tattered. I picked through and found one that looked nearly untouched—like it had been waiting patiently for someone to notice it for almost 100 years.
And I did.
I was immediately charmed.
1930s Cooking from the White House Cookbook
Of course, with a name like The White House Cookbook, you might assume it was meant only for presidential chefs or state banquets. But the truth is, these cookbooks were created for everyday Americans. The most well-known edition, first published in 1887, was written by Hugo Ziemann—a White House steward—and Fanny Gillette, a respected cookbook author of her time. Together, they created a work that brought the sophistication of the White House kitchen into ordinary homes across the country.
Their goal wasn’t to keep culinary secrets locked away, but to share them—to offer housewives, homemakers, and hostesses a glimpse into the refined dining traditions of the White House. The cookbook includes recipes served to presidents, menus for formal dinners, etiquette advice, and practical household tips as well as home remedies.
As the story goes, it quickly became a bestseller and was reprinted and revised for decades. Many editions even included contributions from First Ladies, giving readers a deeply personal view of domestic life in America’s most famous residence.
What I love most is how the cookbook captures more than just food—it captures values. Frugality in the simple comfort food recipes, hospitality, care, and beauty in the everyday. These weren’t extravagant dishes and remedies for show; they were thoughtful meals rooted in simplicity and tradition. And that’s exactly what I love about homemaking.
So today, I brought two recipes from the 1930s edition into my own kitchen: baked eggplant and buttery braised cabbage.
Fried eggplant is beautifully simple. Sliced and salted to draw out any bitterness. Battered in simple eggs and flour or breadcrumbs, a touch of salt, and fried to a perfect crisp. It’s savory and rustic, but elegant in that understated vintage way.
The cabbage is equally humble—and just as comforting. Chopped and sautéed as we call it today but fried as it was called “back in the day”, in browned butter with a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of vinegar for the perfect tang and balance. It’s the kind of side dish that doesn’t need attention to be satisfying.
As I cooked, I couldn’t help but imagine the women who made these same recipes nearly a century ago—maybe in aprons, maybe with babies on their hips or children doing lessons at the table nearby. Maybe they, too, found joy in trying something new… or old.
Cooking from a historical cookbook like this connects me to something deeper than just dinner. It connects me to a long line of women who have fed their families with care, creativity, and love. And it reminds me that homemaking isn’t about impressing—it’s about blessing. Whether your table is set with fine china or mismatched thrifted plates, there’s beauty in offering something made with your own hands.
History isn’t just found in museums or textbooks. It’s in the meals we make, the books we dust off, and the quiet moments we share around the table. And sometimes, it’s tucked away on a shelf in a vintage store, waiting for you to bring it home.
Thanks for joining me in my kitchen today. I hope this inspires you to open an old book, try a vintage recipe, or simply delight in the beautiful work of caring for your home and your people. And if you happen to come across an old copy of the White House Cookbook, you might want to snag it up! If you don’t want to wait, you can shop some on Amazon HERE (affiliate link).
Find more recipes from Singing A New Song HERE.
