In doing the original research for “Sentimental Sweets: Vintage Desserts Made Modern,” I quickly figured out that it would be good to know the historical progression of baking methods, kitchen equipment, and food preservation. The goal is to stay as historically accurate as possible when restoring a recipe. I devised a table for reference, and I’d like to share it with you. This is a work in progress, and I plan to update it from time to time. I’ll be sure to post notifications when I do revise it.

Two books that were especially helpful to me in constructing this reference are The American Kitchen by Ellen M. Plante and Fannie’s Last Supper by Chris Kimball.

Click on the above hyperlink for a PDF file of the timeline.