Roast Turkey Plucked From The gilded Age

ThisThanksgiving, transport your family and friends back to the opulent era of the Gilded Age with a sumptuous menu inspired by authentic recipes and cooking tips from The Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America’s Golden Era, authored by the esteemed food writer and historian, Becky Libourel Diamond.

In this exquisitely crafted cookbook, Diamond seamlessly blends easyto-follow recipes, artistic flair, and historical insight, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary world of the Gilded Age.

Gilded Age Thanksgiving celebrations were marked by sophistication and a focus on decor and elegance. Harvest-themed decorations adorned dining rooms, featuring autumn leaves, chrysanthemums, asters, dried grasses, and grains. Fresh fruit arrangements, piled high on silver or pewter platters and embellished with vines and grape clusters, served as stunning centerpieces. The ambiance was enhanced by soft candlelight and the warmth of a glowing fireplace.

The meticulous preparations mirrored our modern-day Thanksgiving rituals, with dishes like puddings and mincemeat made well in advance to allow flavors to meld. Striking a balance between old and new traditions, the hostesses of the Gilded Age were advised never to experiment with a new recipe without prior testing.

A departure from the customary presentation, the Gilded Age introduced the à la russe style of dining, with meals served in multiple courses. The feast typically commenced with oyster soup or bouillon, followed by roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry jelly. A palate-cleansing sorbet preceded the next courses, featuring chicken pie, stewed corn, mashed potatoes, and squash, followed by celery, wafers, and cheese salad. Desserts were served in two parts, with Thanksgiving pudding, pumpkin pie, cake, and ice cream followed by a final course of fruit, bonbons, and nuts. Coffee, a cherished conclusion, was often served in the parlor.

Thanksgiving in the Gilded Age was a time for multigenerational gatherings, where children and adults came together in grand fashion. Special arrangements were made for children, including a dedicated space adorned with colorful chrysanthemums and a miniature version of the adult table. Their separate platter featured a turkey, accompanied by an abundance of nuts, apples, oranges, and wholesome confectionery.

Becky Libourel Diamond, the culinary historian behind The Gilded Age Cookbook, provides not just a collection of recipes but an immersive experience into the era’s culinary and social traditions. With chapters covering Culinary Innovations, Outdoor Eats, Dining Out, By Invitation Only, and Holidays, the book offers a comprehensive journey through the Gilded Age’s culinary landscape.

Diamond’s expertise and passion for historical recipes shine through, making the cookbook a delightful blend of enticing dishes, decorating tips, and captivating anecdotes. As Dianne Jacob, author of Will Write for Food, notes, “The parties and events may have been excessive, but the classic recipes here look simple and doable to make.”

Becky Libourel Diamond, a food writer, librarian, and research historian, has collaborated with renowned chefs and food groups to recreate historic dinners. Her other works include The Thousand Dollar Dinner and Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s First Cooking School. Residing in Yardley, Pennsylvania, Diamond shares her culinary and historical passion through her books and connects with her audience on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Transport yourself to the Gilded Age this Thanksgiving with The Gilded Age Cookbook. Explore the richness of the era through Diamond’s meticulously curated recipes and stories, creating a feast that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captures the essence of a bygone era. The Amazon link to The Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America’s Golden Era is https://www. amazon.com/ Gilded-Age-Cookbook-Recipes-Americas/ dp/1493069454/.