About Peg Bracken
Born Ruth Eleanor Bracken in Filer, Idaho, in 1918, Peg Bracken authored The I Hate to Cook Book (1960), written for women who scorned the notion of the domestic diva.
She grew up in St Louis, Missouri, graduating from Antioch College in 1940. She then moved to Portland, Oregon, christening herself Peg after her nickname, “Poots,” drew chuckles and looks of disdain from editors and other literati.
Her first book was The 9-Months’ Wonder (1958, with Helen Berry Moore), a collection of observations on child-bearing.
Before publishing The I Hate to Cook Book she worked as an advertising copywriter, producing a syndicated cartoon, Phoebe, Get Your Man, with Homer Groening. Homer was the father and inspiration for the eponymous character on the animated series, The Simpsons, created by his son, Matt.
The idea for The I Hate to Cook Book sprang from a lunchtime cabal known as The Hags. Following on many discussions of culinary contempt, fueled by martinis and macaroni salad, the book was essentially a set of recipes from Hags and their associates, strung together with Peg’s often mordant narrative.
The manuscript was rejected by six male editors before finally earning the respect of a female counterpart, who saw potential in Bracken’s contrarian thesis. It was illustrated by Hilary Knight, known for his work on Kay Thompson’s Eloise books.
The first edition of The I Hate to Cook Book sold 85,000 copies in two years (ultimately some three million), making Bracken a household name in the U.S., where she toured nationally, soon becoming a TV spokesperson for Birds Eye Foods.
Other “I Hate” books followed: The I Hate to Housekeep Book (1962); an Appendix to The I Hate to Cook Book (1966); The I Hate to Cook Almanack (1980); and The Compleat I Hate to Cook Book (1988). Moving to the subject of etiquette she published I Try to Behave Myself (1964) and I Didn’t Come Here to Argue (1969). Later, she also wrote But I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World (1973) about travelling, then her memoir, A Window Over the Sink (1981), and finally On Getting Old for the First Time (1996).
In addition to her books, Bracken penned for many American publications: The Oregonian; the San Francisco Chronicle; Family Circle; The Atlantic Monthly and others. Though forever linked to life in the kitchen, she considered herself primarily a humorist.
She passed away peacefully in her Portland home on October 20, 2007, at the age of 89.
1.
Laurie Schon | October 29, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I was born in 63, but loved Peg’s “I Hate to …” books from an early age…my mother had all of them, the etiquette book, too…and they were always laying about, and I guess my mom’s hearty laughter must have roused my curiosity, because I read them all and loved them at age 10 or 11! When I found “A Window over the Sink” I gave it to my mom, and we loved it and found it so very touching, the part about pulling domesticity over her head like a blanket and finding herself still cold (I’m paraphrasing…I need a new copy of the book because ours fell apart from much love. I really wanted her recipe for pumpkin soup, it was so delicious, and I believe it was in the memoir…sure wish I could find it. I know it involved sauted onion, chicken stock and cream…but don’t know what spices or if there was wine…any help? anyway just mainly wanted to say I loved her, She was a fine writer and a hilarious one…she’s made many a chore less chore like because of memories of her funny comments.
2.
Sandy Abernathy | November 1, 2010 at 2:27 am
I can’t tell you enough about all the loving, fun and positive memories I have of you and your Mom when we were kids. Your Mom was one of the most loving, kind, caring, and classy people I have ever known. You are your Mother’s Daughter in every way!
3.
Sage | January 6, 2011 at 11:14 am
I decided to post a blog about my Prime Rib that I have been baking for 45 years. The recipe originated from Peg Bracken’s I hate to Cook. I had all her books; she made me laugh, taught me all kinds of short cuts.. I was married in 1963; We had 4 sons, I needed all the help I could get because I was very insecure in the kitchen. I honestly thing she taught me to lvoe cooking. I would love to be able to find her book; mine disappeared over the years. i don’t know if you are still blogging,but I just wanted to tell you how your mom made my life easier in those days.
I sure wish I could tell her that.
Rita
4.
johannabracken | January 11, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Rita, what a wonderful post! Thanks so much for reaching out. Mom would have given you a big hug!
5.
Andrea Freedman | January 24, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Johanna, I just discovered this blog while searching online for the Chilly-night chili recipe. I have made it for 40 years and the family loves it. Over time I have added this and that (garlic, oregano, paprika), and I wanted to see how far I had strayed from the original.
I just made the original recipe and it took me right back to the early days of my marriage. I have (and have read to shreds) all of your mother’s books, and I want to let you know how much enjoyment she has brought me over the years. I always wish I could have met her.
I’m going to settle in with the “The I Hate to Cook Almanack ” later this evening.
6.
johannabracken | January 26, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Andrea, thanks so much for reaching out. It means a lot to me. Happy reading–and eating!
7.
Helen Baumgarten | January 7, 2012 at 7:51 am
I bought the I Hate to Cook Book a “thousand” years ago it seems and made many of the recipes. I just loved the book. My favourite recipe is Stayabed Stew. I have also tweeked it sometimes using different soups, and it always came out fabulous. I even served it to company who always wanted to know the recipe. My children love it and now that I’m 70 yrs old and have a boyfriend, I’m serving it to him also because he loves it too. Wish I could have told this to your mom…but maybe she’s reading this blog.
8.
johannabracken | January 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Thanks for reaching out, Helen. Like you, I’m sure Mom is reading these posts.
9.
Jan | February 3, 2012 at 9:53 am
The first of Peg’s books I read was A Window Over the Sink. It taught me a lot, and I don’t just mean the recipes in the back. I lost my father in 1985, and Peg’s story of your great-aunt’s grief and the life she constructed for herself after her husband’s death stood me in good stead. It was good to read about a woman who had reconstructed her life after a tragedy. I’m sure I’m not the only one who found comfort in her book.
Also, she was right about the need for a window over the sink. I don’t have one in my present kitchen, nor in the previous two, and it’s impossible to cook in it. I mix up stuff while standing in the living room (my place is very small) and shove it in the oven. I rely on the crockpot a good deal, and I abide by the steak-roast-chop bit.