Looking for a book for a food lover or a history buff? This is it!
The American Plate is a collection of stories and recipes that chronicle our history and the foods that were a part of it. Recipes are in chronological order beginning with the foods that Native Americans prepared prior to the arrival of Columbus. We then journey throughout the decades up until the modern day.
The book is absolutely fascinating. Our diet has changed due to the ingredients available, innovations in cooking techniques, electricity and equipment and due to other societal influences. Some of the old recipes still look good to me today and others have me wondering what on earth they were thinking.
It would be fun to create an entire meal based on a different time period for a themed party or to help enrich your child’s education.
The American Plate
A Culinary History in 100 Bites
by Libby O’Connell
isbn 978-1492603023
Pub. date 11/11/14
Description: “For generations, people have proudly defined themselves and their values through their national cuisine. American food, like its history, is a world of its own. This is an enticingly fresh book from Dr. Libby H. O’Connell, the chief historian of the History Channel, introduces modern readers to lost American food traditions and leads them on a tantalizing culinary journey through the evolution of our vibrant cuisine and culture. Covering a hundred different foods from the Native American-era through today and featuring over a dozen recipes and photos, this fascinating history of American food will delight history buffs and food lovers alike.”
Below is a recipe for the Red Cross War Cake, which was designed to stay fresh for a long time making it ideal to send to loved ones serving in the war. I’m sure it was a welcome treat for those who were far from home.
Enter daily through the Rafflecopter giveaway form below:
Paula Myers says
I would love to add this cookbook to my collection!
Maureen says
OH I would so love to know what to make for my family. This would help.
Jason says
Great Prize
Mary Mac says
This would be a great book for a foodie.
Jane H says
I’m always looking for new recipes. Thank you so much for the chance to win these.
Amanda C. says
This book looks so awesome–I love that these recipes are historic and have a story behind them.
Lori Walker says
Nice.
EMMA L HORTON says
I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET WHEN IT COMES TO COOKING
Jimmy Rector says
nice prize
Teresa Motz says
How interesting! Who wouldn’t love a book about food!
Shelton says
This would be some very interesting reading about our food(s) history.
marybeth i says
This looks like a cookbook that I would actually read and use
Amber says
I’d learn a lot from this book! Would love to win.
Janet Woodling says
I love cookbooks.
James Coyne says
I Love a good book
Nancy says
Cookbooks are interesting to read, I think!
Jean Sagarese says
Perfect I have 2 soldiers who are deploying from my office at work and 11 already over in Afghanistan this would be so awesome
Mandy Kauffman says
This is a neat twist on a cookbook! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Denise S says
This sounds like a fun cookbook.
Linda Bradshaw says
I love cookbooks. I love finding new things to cook and make.
Richard Brandt says
I like the touch of history to help it stand out from the crowd of cookbooks out there.
CathyH says
How interesting! I watched a documentary once where a family wanted an authentic Victorian dinner party. Took them a year to prepare!
Carolyn G says
looks good
CAROLYN MASSEY says
Would love to have this cookbook. Thanks for the opportunity.
Becca says
This cookbook sounds really neat. I like hearing the stories behind recipes!
Paulette Dorland says
What a great addition for my collection! Thanks for the chance!
EMMA L HORTON says
WITH MY COOKING, I CAN USE ALL THE HELP I GET
Emily R. says
This would be an interesting read!
Connie Lee says
I love collecting cookbooks. This one sounds like a very good one to add to it.
mrsshurka says
I haven;t even heard about this cookbook until this post!
Tami Lewis says
This is exactly the type of book I like to read!
Leela says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Rita M says
Sounds like a great cookbook/read!
Heather Freeman says
I collect cookbooks, would love to have this.
Elise says
This would make a great gift for my sister
cynthia says
i would love to win this
lana simanovicki says
i love cooking
Sharon Kaminski says
I would love to win, thanks.
[email protected] says
This is a nice cook book.
Cindy B says
Sounds interesting!
sally toerner says
I collect cookbooks and I would love to add this to my collection.
Karen Gray says
I love that somebody’s recognizing American food! We have awesome food!
Mippy/Sabrina says
I love a HUGEE variety of recipes and cookbooks. This would be great to add to my shelf! :)
Tara Liebing says
I love to cook so I collect cookbooks, this would be nice to have!
Amber Faith says
Thanks for the giveaway
Leona Olson says
Great history book. Noticed lard in the recipe; I woulld use it.
Lisa says
I’d love this cookbook!
Charlene says
I’d love to add this to my cookbook collection :)
Lorena Keech says
My great aunt used to make this cake, wow!
ger says
This cookbook sounds so interesting, would love to make that cake!!
Heather! says
Another great cookbook! I could use this one!
Stephanie says
I would love to try the recipes in this cookbook!
katklaw777 says
Luv the old fashioned recipe…neat book…thanks!
Elle says
I would love to read this just for the history. The old recipes would just be a bonus.
deb c says
This cookbook sounds fascinating.
latoya says
This mix of history and recipes sounds great!
deana c says
I would love this cookbook. Thanks for the chance!
Laura says
I’d love this!
Sabine B says
Would love to win this, ty!
Amy Z. says
I’d love to try out the recipes from different time periods!
polly says
Always love new recipes!
Anne says
I’m definitely going to try the Red Cross War Cake. One of my favorite quick cakes is called “Wacky Cake,” and originated during the war using common ingredients. This book looks interesting–I love recipes like this!
denise a says
awesome prize
Saundra McKenzie says
I would love to add this to my collection.
Lesley F says
Would love to add to my collection
Sherry Conrad says
This would be wonderful for my cookbook collecting daughter.
Kathy Pease says
Thanks so much for the chance :)
Ashley G. says
Super unique…my husband would love it.
Ed says
I would like to read the work of Libby O’Connell!
xty cruz says
I love cooking and this will help me try new recipes
shea balentine says
Thanks for the chance!
Leah Shumack says
Always looking to add cookbooks to my collection!
Eugenia Hall says
I love food history, this would be so great to read.
Lakwanza Williams says
My passionate is trying new recipes especially around holidays bring something new to the table!!
KimmyQueen says
I like to read about history and I like food so to have both in the same book is amazing lol
Bebe says
What a nice giveaway! :)
Barb Stenby says
Looks like a great cookbook!
Christa Bengtsson says
I love cookbooks.