"Emma Cornelius Ricketson, New Bedford, Dec 1862 Published by Wm. K. Tallman to whom it is willed in case he outlives the above Emma Cornelia. But in case the said Emma Cornela outlives the Publisher then it is to pass over to Abby Y. Gherman provided however she outlives the 2 aforementioned."--Hand written on first page.

This cookbook assumes the cook knows the procedure to follow in most cases and only lists the ingredients, not instructions on how to combine and cook them. Recipes are broken into categories such as Meats, Breakfast and Tea, Sauces, Puddings, Pies, Desserts, Preserves, Jellies, Gingerbread Cookes, Etc., Cake, Wines, and Miscellaneous, which includes recipes for such things as Cologne, Pomade, Hair Tonic, and To perfume sick rooms (A few drops of oil of sandalwood dropped onto a hot shovel.)

Several blank pages are left between categories to accommodate the addition of new recipes. Where known, the recipes are attributed to their contributor. In one clear, neat hand but for one recipe. Many newspaper clippings at the back for how tos such as swimming, first aid, care of clothing, care of skin, ect