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The Founding Foodies

How Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin Revolutionized American Cuisine

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Ever wonder how certain foods came to be such huge staples of American culinary history? In this fascinating mashup between history book and cook book, one of America's Founding Fathers could be at the source!

Food writer Dave DeWitt entertainingly describes how some of America's most famous colonial leaders—like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin—not only established America's political destiny, but also revolutionized the very foods we eat.

Beyond their legacy as revolutionaries and politicians, the Founding Fathers of America were first and foremost a group of farmers. Like many of today's foodies, they ardently supported sustainable farming and ranching, exotic imported foods, brewing, distilling, and wine appreciation. Explore their passion for the land and the bounty it produced through an intriguing narrative, sprinkled with recipes that showcase their love of food and the art of eating that would ultimately become America's diverse food culture.

Features over thirty authentic colonial recipes, including:

  • Thomas Jefferson's ice cream
  • A recipe for beer by George Washington
  • Martha Washington's fruitcake
  • Medford rum punch
  • Terrapin soup
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      • Library Journal

        November 1, 2010

        Expanding the definition of foodie to include "a consuming interest in any and all aspects of food, from agriculture to fine dining," DeWitt (Da Vinci's Kitchen: A Secret History of Italian Cuisine) introduces his audience to the foodies, both deliberate and accidental, who shaped the early American palate. After setting the stage by tracing the rise of the first Colonial staples--corn, cod, pork, and rum--he explores the influence of the American Revolution's leaders on the new nation's food culture. Farm records, journal entries, and published and private letters reveal many surprises, including Washington's devotion to composting, Franklin's recipes for succotash and broiled steaks, and the experiences of the slave chefs responsible for Washington's and Jefferson's White House kitchens. Although period recipes appear throughout the book, the final chapter is devoted entirely to sample menus, adapted with modern ingredients and measurements. VERDICT A deft combination of primary-source material, historical context, entertaining tidbits, and authentic recipes, this highly readable piece of pop history is sure to have wide appeal.--Neil Derksen, Gwinnett Cty. P.L., Lawrenceville, GA

        Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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    Languages

    • English

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