March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women across all fields—including the world of baking. From pioneering recipes to breaking barriers in the culinary industry, women have played a vital role in shaping how we bake and enjoy food today. In this blog post, we’ll explore the lives and legacies of three influential women bakers and provide ideas for educators to bring their stories into the classroom.

Edna Lewis (1916–2006): The Grande Dame of Southern Baking

Biography:
Edna Lewis was a celebrated African American chef, baker, and author who brought Southern cuisine to the national stage. Born in Freetown, Virginia, a community founded by her formerly enslaved grandfather, Lewis grew up learning traditional Southern cooking and baking from her family. She later became the head chef at Café Nicholson in New York City, where her desserts, such as her famous caramel cake, earned her widespread acclaim. Lewis authored several cookbooks, including The Taste of Country Cooking, which preserved and celebrated the culinary traditions of the American South.

Contributions:
Lewis was a trailblazer in highlighting the importance of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and traditional baking methods. Her work helped preserve Southern baking heritage and inspired a generation of chefs and bakers to embrace their culinary roots.

Classroom Activity:

Bake and Learn: Have students bake one of Edna Lewis’s signature recipes, such as her caramel cake or buttermilk biscuits. Discuss the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and how baking connects us to cultural heritage.

History Connection: Explore the history of Southern cuisine and its roots in African American culture. Discuss how Lewis’s work helped preserve these traditions.

Julia Child (1912–2004): The Icon Who Brought French Baking to America

Biography:
Julia Child is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the culinary world. After studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, she co-authored Mastering the Art of French Cooking, a groundbreaking cookbook that introduced French baking and cooking techniques to American home cooks. Her television show, The French Chef, made her a household name and inspired countless people to try their hand at baking and cooking.

Contributions:
Child demystified French baking, making it accessible to everyday Americans. Her emphasis on precision, technique, and fearlessness in the kitchen revolutionized home baking and cooking.

Classroom Activity:

Baking Demonstration: Show clips of The French Chef and demonstrate one of Julia Child’s classic recipes, such as her French bread or tarte tatin. Discuss the importance of technique and precision in baking.

Cultural Exploration: Explore the influence of French baking on American cuisine and how Child helped bridge the gap between the two.

Fannie Farmer (1857–1915): The Mother of Level Measurements

Biography:
Fannie Farmer was a culinary educator and author who revolutionized baking with her emphasis on precise measurements. After suffering a stroke that halted her plans to attend college, Farmer turned her attention to cooking and baking. She eventually became the principal of the Boston Cooking School and published The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, which included standardized measurements for recipes—a groundbreaking concept at the time.

Contributions:
Farmer’s use of standardized measurements (like cups and teaspoons) made baking more accessible and reliable for home cooks. Her cookbook became a staple in American kitchens and laid the foundation for modern recipe writing.

Classroom Activity:

Science of Baking: Discuss the importance of precise measurements in baking and how Fannie Farmer’s work changed the way we approach recipes. Conduct a baking experiment where students compare a recipe with and without precise measurements to see the difference in results. Learn more here!

Recipe Writing: Have students write their own recipes using standardized measurements, emphasizing clarity and precision. Check out this great video resource on creating your own recipes!

How Educators Can Discuss These Women in the Classroom

Timeline Activity: Create a timeline of women’s contributions to baking, featuring Edna Lewis, Julia Child, Fannie Farmer, and others. Discuss how their work reflects broader social and cultural changes.

Cultural Connections: Explore how each baker’s work is tied to a specific culture or region (Southern, French, American) and discuss the importance of preserving culinary traditions.

Baking as Empowerment: Discuss how these women used baking as a way to break barriers, share their heritage, and inspire others. Encourage students to reflect on how baking can be a form of self-expression and empowerment. View our Bake to Give resources!

Guest Speakers: Invite local female bakers or chefs to speak to students about their experiences and the influence of these historical figures on their work.

Celebrate Women’s History this March

Edna Lewis, Julia Child, and Fannie Farmer are just a few of the many women who have left an indelible mark on the world of baking. By celebrating their stories and contributions, we not only honor their legacies but also inspire the next generation of bakers and educators. This Women’s History Month, let’s bake, learn, and celebrate the incredible women who have shaped the way we cook and eat. Try one of their recipes in your classroom or at home, and share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #BakingHerstory. Let’s keep their legacies alive, one bake at a time!