The Secret History of Christmas Baking - Recipes and Stories from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys by Linda Raedisch, ISBN 978-0-7387-7235-6, RRP $17:99. Published by Llewellyn Publications. (8 Sept, 2023)
This is a magical exploration of the sometimes dark and always intriguing history of some of our most beloved baked Christmas treats. Many have surprising origins with many twists and turns in their development into the festive delights that we enjoy today. The 300 pages of this book are delightfully crammed with recipes, and also crafts! Good old fashioned wholesome crafts like making your own Christmas star shaped cookie tray or a paper angel! Homemade marzipan and how to make your own candied peel to name just a selection of treats. All the instructions are easy to follow and offer the relevant historical information of each.
Gathered from all over Europe and sometimes dipping into the ancient exotic cultures of Persia, Arabia, and Egypt, Linda Raedisch delivers everything you need to get you in the mood for the season. Written with wit and passion, it is an unexpected page turner.
Linda has become a firm favourite of cooks and chefs by publishing the well loved titles "Llewellyn's Herbal Almanac" and "The Old Magic of Christmas" which pair`s beautifully with this full colour publication.
There are many good recipes and craft ideas presented here that you can keep returning to explore something different each year. Just the variety of gingerbreads alone is enough to hold my personal interest. Without all the fascinating information regarding humanities and evolving traditions that relate to the darker season of the solar year.
This is genuinely a book that will now become a regular part of my own Yule traditions. A 'must have' for our modern times. " The Secret History of Christmas Baking" takes us down to the roots and up to the heavens of genuine Yuletide and Christmas wonder.
It's thoroughly enjoyable, and makes an ideal, last minute gift, especially when paired with "The Old Magic Of Christmas" also Published by Llewellyn Publications. Anyone with an interest in folklore, history and/or baking and crafting will absolutely adore this book for years to come. Set to be a classic 'go to' of the season.
Review by N. Richards for Mind Body & Soul Ezine Reviews page.
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