United Farm Women of Alberta Cook Book

United Farm Women of Alberta - 1946

The UFWA was created in 1915 as a women’s parallel to the United Farmers of Alberta. Nanci Langford’s Politics, Pitchforks and Pickle Jars notes that the first UFWA cookbook was produced in 1928 from recipes donated by members from across the province (xiv); with eight subsequent editions and many more printings, the book eventually sold over 125,000 copies (Driver, Culinary 1055-56). The foreword, by Mrs. Vera MacDonald of the Department of Agriculture’s Extension program, was new to this revised fifth edition. It refers to the housewife as an “artist, for the result of her work is a symphony of life in which all parts of her body, furnished with the foods needed for their functions, play together to produce the harmonious crescendo of ‘an abundant life.’” MacDonald also declares that “For the symphony of ‘Healthful Eating’ learn Canada’s Food Rules and, using them as a guide, serve well balanced meals every day.” This book is notable for including recipes from a variety of ethnic groups; it also contains multiple recipes for date squares, listed under such varied names as “Health Food” and “Matrimonial Cake.” Another noteworthy recipe is “Mock Chicken Salad,” made with diced cooked pork, readily available on Alberta farms.