"Luther referred to his wife Katharina von Bora as 'Herr Käthe,' and that pretty much sums it up for the 16th century. Katharina was the one in charge; she managed a large household, ensured the family's prosperity, and was essentially the head of a functioning small business. In fact, something entirely different had been planned for her: she was supposed to become a nun and spend her life behind the walls of a convent. Her escape from that life and marriage to the Reformer Martin Luther was perhaps the first great scandal of modern times. However, her time in the convent was not in vain: Katharina knew how to manage an estate, cultivate gardens and fields, and cook in a way that not only satisfied large gatherings but also delighted everyone. This is based on Luther's letters, table talks, and archaeological findings on the property.".