The Fallingwater Cookbook

Elsie Henderson's Recipes and Memories

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
Winner, 2008 Special Jury Award, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

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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.

about the authors

Suzanne L. Martinson

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.

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Suzanne L. Martinson
Jane Citron

Jane Citron, a longtime cooking instructor, was a columnist for the Pittsburgh Press Magazine and Pittsburgh Magazine, and a freelance food writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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Jane Citron
Robert Sendall

Robert Sendall is a chef and owner of All in Good Taste Productions. He has produced numerous special events at Fallingwater and throughout the Pittsburgh region.

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Robert Sendall