The Founding Foodies
Description
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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Person
Dave DeWitt is a leading food expert. He has authored several books and has appeared everywhere from the Today show to Mythbusters. He has also been featured in the New Yorker, the New York Times, USA Today, and approximately 200 newspapers across the country.
Content
Contents
Introduction: Foodies and Polymaths xi
Chapter One: The First Foodies 1
Chapter Two: Here's to Food, Drink, and War! 41
Chapter Three: Farmer Washington, Entrepreneur Extraordinaire 71
Chapter Four: Diplomacy, Slavery, and Haute Cuisine in Paris 101
Chapter Five: Bombastic Barbecues, Presidential Palates, and Scurrilous Scandals 127
Chapter Six: Food and Wine at Monticello 163
Chapter Seven: Re-creating the Recipes of the Founding Foodies 191
Appendix: Recommended Historical Sites and Restaurants 237
Image Credits 247
Bibliography 249
Endnotes 275
Index 297
