The American History Cookbook

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

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Physical Properties

Description

This book uses historical commentary and recipes to trace the history of American cooking from the first European contact with Native Americans to the 1970s. Each of 50 chronologically arranged topical chapters contain 500-1,000 words of general commentary followed by descriptions and clear, step-by-step instructions for 3-4 recipes. The recipes are drawn from a wide variety of historical cookbooks and other historical sources. The topics cover broad periods (e.g., Settlers and Indians, Early American Spring Meals, Health Food in Victorian America); particular events (e.g., Civil War South, The Great Depression); and particular trends or movements (e.g., Railroad Food, School Lunch, The Labor Movement). Also presented are engaging special topics such as Patriotic Cakes, Abolitionist Recipes, Communal Experiments, and Modern Health Food. The book is indexed by year of publication of recipes, states, and broad subjects.

Reviews

More than just another cookbook, Mark Zanger's American History Cookbook relies on historical commentary and recipes to trace the history and evolution of American cooking and culinary trends, from the first European contact with Native Americans to the 1970s. * Midwest Book Review Internet Bookwatch *
Sure to be a family favorite . A unique compendium of authentic, historic American cuisine, The American History Cookbook is a superbly presented and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections! * Wisconsin Bookwatch *
Could benefit American studies curricula at any level from middle school to college and also should speak to any adult interested in culinary history. * Gourmet *
Zanger's presentation preserves both history and practicality with the original wording of each recipe followed by an approximation of current cooking styles and measures and substitutions for rare items with available ingredients. This book is a must-have for food history collections. * Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin *
If you need to re-create a period with food, don't miss this volume. * Gale Free Resources Reference Reviews *
The American History Cookbook is sure to be a family favorite as its dishes such as Preble Cake, Walnut Oat Burgers, and Ground-Nut Soup continue to be enjoyed through the generations. A unique compendium of authentic, historic American cuisine, The American History Cookbook is a superbly presented and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections! * Internet Bookwatch *
In these 350 recipes ranging between 1524 and 1977, Zanger not only explores the sources and character of diverse American foodways, he illuminates the practice of culinary history as well. * Culinary Historians of Washington, D.C. *

Author Bio

Mark H. Zanger is a veteran Boston journalist and 20-year restaurant critic for the Boston Phoenix, under the name Robert Nadeau. He is the author of The American Ethnic Cookbook for Students (2001).