A wonderfully opulent cookbook on Christmas in the Gilded Age which brings together wonderful German and European heritage and traditions of the 19th century. This cookbook features tips & techniques, delicious recipes on cookies, cakes, pies, puddings, custards, candies, and histories of different traditions.

Thank you to NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and Becky Libourel Diamond

This cookbook is the perfect combination of seasonal recipes, the cultural influences on these tasty treats, history of the gilded age, and the magic of Christmas. I am convinced this book will become a seasonal staple in all kitchens that celebrate Christmas.

OBSESSED is an understatement.

As someone who spent her childhood dreaming of being Laura Ingalls’ best friend, collecting eggs and churning butter (until I realized how physically demanding that actually is), this book speaks to me. Was life on the prairie gilded? Absolutely not. It was arguably the opposite. But where Laura’s life was simple and practical, the Gilded Age was indulgent and extravagant. This book is the Samantha of American Girl Dolls, and I mean that as the highest compliment.

I've always been fascinated by the past, and what better way to time travel than through food? Sugar is so commonplace today that it’s easy to forget it was once a coveted luxury, like salt, available only to the fabulously wealthy. This book reminds us of that, showcasing recipes that are as decadent as the era they represent.

Are these simple recipes? No. These are not your everyday, grab-from-the-pantry kinds of dishes. These are carefully curated, historically rooted recipes that tell a story. Whether you recreate any of them or simply savor the rich history behind them, this book is a gift to both history buffs and food lovers alike.

Just be warned: you will want to spend your next Christmas holiday at The Breakers or Biltmore, so prepare accordingly.

Thank you to NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and Becky Libourel Diamond for the privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.