Author: Janet McKenzie Hill

Janet Mc Kenzie Hill (1852–1933) was a pioneering figure in the culinary arts, renowned for her influential contributions to American cookery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Educated at the Boston Cooking School, Hill was a contemporary of famed culinary expert Fannie Merritt Farmer, and she played a vital role in the development of domestic science. Hill founded the Boston Cooking School Magazine, which later became American Cookery, helping spread her culinary ethos to households across the country. Her written work, particularly “Salads, Sandwiches and Chafing-Dish Dainties” (1899), reflects a culinary style that combines simplicity with elegance, offering readers practical techniques for creating delightful dishes with the ingredients and tools at hand. Hill was a master at crafting recipes that catered to the tastes and needs of her audience, often focusing on efficient cooking methods and nutrition. Her recipes and advice have been credited with helping homemakers adapt to the fast-changing world of American gastronomy, as she artfully blended tradition with innovation. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on culinary literature and continue to inspire chefs and home cooks alike.