Seventeen hundred recipes from the housewives of Old Virginia — Sally Lunn and beaten biscuit, brandy peaches and Brunswick stew — gathered in 1879 by Patrick Henry's granddaughter, with tributes from the First Lady down.

Browse the Kitchen

Every one of the 1158 recipes, sorted by who — or what — they were.

Soups & Broths

21 recipes

Fish & Shellfish

79 recipes

Poultry & Game

56 recipes

Meat & Roasts

185 recipes

Vegetables & Salads

134 recipes

Puddings & Desserts

236 recipes

Cakes, Bread & Biscuits

150 recipes

Preserves & Pickles

78 recipes

Sauces & Seasonings

67 recipes

Drinks & Cordials

50 recipes

Eggs, Cheese & Dairy

72 recipes

Sweets & Confectionery

12 recipes

Fruit & Nuts

4 recipes

More from the Kitchen

14 recipes

Rights & ReuseThe complete text of Housekeeping in Old Virginia (1879) is in the public domain in the United States — like all works published before 1928 — and is free to read, download, quote, teach from, and reuse. This digital edition (its transcription, restored images, and site design) is © 2026 PhotoOpAI, and any editorial commentary we add is clearly marked as ours; the underlying public-domain text carries no such restriction. Trademarks and brand names appearing in this book are the property of their respective owners. This edition is historical and archival; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any brand shown.