Hall of Fame Award (Posthumous) | 2017

Edna Staebler’s extensive career as a cookbook author and food writer solidified her legacy as one of Canada’s most important culinary authorities. During the 1940s and 1950s, Staebler established a name for herself in the literary world by publishing memorable pieces in renowned publications like Maclean’s, Chatelaine, and Reader’s Digest. In 1968, Staebler dove into culinary writing with her iconic cookbook, Food that Really Schmecks, the first of many books in the “Schmecks Series.” The version on display was donated to Archival & Special Collections in 1993 and was part of a large collection of published works and textual records received from Staebler (XR1 MS A700). The cookbook includes recipes from friends and family who were part of the Mennonite community in the Waterloo region, home to one of the largest populations of Mennonites in Canada. Staebler’s work highlighted the culinary habits found in many Mennonite households, brought attention to the delicious recipes passed down through generations of women, and ensured that Mennonite culture and traditions would live on in Canada.

Staebler, Edna. Food that Really Schmecks. Toronto: Ryerson Press, 1968. Archival & Special Collections, University of Guelph Library (XR1 MS A700013).