Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

English

College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

First Advisor

J. Daniel Hasty

Second Advisor

Christian Smith

Abstract/Description

This paper traces the evolution of written recipe discourse from medieval manuscripts to modern digital platforms, examining how changes in recipe structure, audience, and purpose reflect broader shifts in cultural literacy and sponsorship. Drawing on Deborah Brandt’s theory of “sponsors of literacy,” the author argues that recipe authors have historically acted as sponsors of culinary literacy, shaping who has access to cooking knowledge and how that knowledge is communicated. Through close analysis of recipes from the Forme of Cury (1390), American Cookery (1796), the Good Housekeeping Cookbook (1963), and a contemporary food blog, the study highlights the increasing democratization of cooking discourse. Whereas earlier recipes assumed insider knowledge and catered to elites, modern recipes aim for accessibility, often monetizing instructional content through affiliate links and advertisements. The paper concludes that while recipe discourse has become more inclusive, its sponsorship now also includes commercial motivations, complicating the relationship between access and profit in culinary literacy.

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