Peg Bracken (1918–2007) was an American humorist and author known for her witty, unconventional approach to cooking and housekeeping. Her candid, no-nonsense books reassured women they didn’t need to be perfect homemakers, offering practical advice with sarcasm.
Born in Filer, Idaho, she grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Antioch College (1940.) She worked as an advertising copywriter, collaborating with Homer Groening, father of The Simpsons creator Matt Groening. Her sharp humor and relatable writing style made her a favorite among readers. Bracken’s books, illustrated by Hilary Knight (known for Eloise,) featured conversational prose, sardonic observations, and quirky recipe names like “Stayabed Stew” and “Spuds O’Grotten.”
Her most famous book, The I Hate to Cook Book (1960,) became a bestseller, offering quick, easy recipes for reluctant cooks. It was followed by The I Hate to Housekeep Book (1962,) Instant Etiquette (1964,) I Didn’t Come Here to Argue (1969,) and The I Hate to Cook Almanack (1976.) Her final work, On Getting Old for the First Time (1997,) reflected on aging with her signature humor.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Peg Bracken
Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents?
—Peg Bracken
Topics: Taxation, Taxes
Quotations can be valuable, like raisins in the rice pudding, for adding iron as well as eye appeal.
—Peg Bracken
Topics: Quotations
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