Eliza Acton was an English food writer and poet who produced one of Britain's first cookery books aimed at the domestic reader, Modern Cookery for Private Families. The book introduced the now-universal practice of listing ingredients and giving suggested cooking times for each recipe. It included the first recipes in English for Brussels sprouts and for spaghetti. It also contains the first recipe for what Acton called "Christmas pudding"; the dish was normally called plum pudding, recipes for which had appeared previously, although Acton was the first to put the name and recipe together.
Eliza Acton, English food writer and poet (died 1859)
Eliza Acton, English food writer and poet (died 1859)
On April 17, in the year 1799, Eliza Acton, English food writer and poet (died 1859). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of April 17, one of 401 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Eliza Acton. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 17, 1799 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 11 March 2026.
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