The Fallingwater Cookbook - (Regional) by Suzanne Martinson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Martinson gathers recipes from Elsie Henderson, the longtime and last cook for the Kaufmann family, along with Henderson's memories of life at Fallingwater and her encounters with the Kaufmanns, John Heinz, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Included are recipes from chef Robert Sendall, cooking instructor Jane Citron, and Mary Ann Moreau, former chef of the Fallingwater Cafe.

Book Synopsis

Hailed as the most architecturally significant private residence in the United States, Fallingwater was a welcome retreat for Edgar J. Kaufmann, his wife, Liliane, their son, Edgar jr., and their many guests. The Fallingwater Cookbook captures the experience of fine and casual dining at this famed home. Suzanne Martinson, former food editor and writer for the Pittsburgh Press and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, relates recipes from Elsie Henderson, the longtime and last cook for the Kaufmann family at Fallingwater, along with Henderson's memories and anecdotes of life in the renowned house on the waterfall. Henderson also recounts with humor, affection, and vivid detail her encounters with Senators John Heinz and Ted Kennedy, Isaac Stern, and Frank Lloyd Wright, among others.The book is rounded out with additional recipes from Chef Robert Sendall, who began producing special events at Fallingwater in the early 1990s, Jane Citron, with whom Sendall taught cooking classes, and Mary Ann Moreau, former chef of the Cafe at Fallingwater. Artfully composed photographs of food, architecture, landscape, family, and guests complete the collection, which, like Fallingwater, will be treasured for years to come.

Review Quotes

The exterior of Wright's architectural wonder, Fallingwater, is recognized throughout the world, but less is known about the interior life of this famous house. Now, through the wonderful recipes of Elsie Henderson, we come to know something about the tastes and hospitality of the people who lived there. In this enlightening book, food communicates the nature of the cook as well as the family and guests who were privileged to dine within this extraordinary place.-- "Barbara Haber, author, From Hardtack to Homefries: An Uncommon History of American Cooks and Meals"

The heart of every home is in its kitchen, and Elsie Henderson kept the heart of this architectural masterpiece beating. Suzanne Martinson recounts the delicious story behind the early years at Fallingwater.-- "Kim O'Donnel, author, A Mighty Appetite for the Holidays"

This book reveals, with page-turning immediacy, the human side of Fallingwater. The recipes are appealing and contribute to a picture of the idiosyncratic lifestyle and family relationships of two generations of the Kaufmann family.-- "Virginia R. Phillips, freelance food writer"

About the Author

Suzanne Martinson is a former food editor and writer for the Pittsburgh Press and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She is a two-time winner of both the James Beard and Bert Greene Awards for food journalism.