The cookbook is divided into sections that cover soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, sauces, and even home-preserved items like jams and pickles. Harland's recipes are detailed, with clear instructions designed to make cooking accessible to the average housewife of the time. The book is characterized by its emphasis on frugality, efficiency, and nutrition, reflecting the growing trend of providing balanced meals that were both economical and nourishing for the family. Marion Harland's Complete Cook Book also offers household management tips, including advice on meal planning, organizing the kitchen, and preparing food in advance for busy households. Harland’s focus on clear, practical instructions and her advocacy for home cooking made this book a staple in many homes, especially for women looking to improve their culinary skills and streamline their domestic responsibilities. The cookbook stands as a significant historical document, providing valuable insight into the domestic culture of the time and the evolution of American cooking. It remains a classic reference for anyone interested in 19th-century American culinary traditions.