Mrs. Wakefield's 1881 work is a deceptively simple work of staple recipes for the home cook. Containing such basic recipes as "Clear Macaroni Soup," "Roux for Thickening All Kinds of Soups, Sauces, Gravies, etc., " and "To Bake a Ham," the work goes on to more advanced recipes that build upon the more simple ones. Designed to utilize more common ingredients, this work allows the cook to create inexpensive, yet still elegant meals.