Georgia's Historical Recipes is an exploration of our state's oldest recipes from the antebellum period through World War II, as painstakingly researched by Georgia archivist Valerie J. Frey. This volume begins with a discussion of old recipes as primary sources and what they can tell us about the history and culture of their era and how to bring them to life in modern kitchens. Frey then moves into fifty sections that can be read alone yet allow readers to build an understanding of how foodways evolved over time.
Some sections highlight a single recipe, illustrating how changes in technology, agriculture, transportation, communication, and social patterns led to changes in Georgia kitchens. Most of the recipes are previously unpublished, waiting in archives to be rediscovered. Other sections explore our oldest cookbooks, offering biographical and cultural background information that makes them more meaningful. For the first time, Georgians have a list of the state's early cookbooks and its cooking experts. Readers will learn where to find Georgia's oldest recipes and discover many examples to whet their appetites literally and figuratively for a taste of Georgia's past.
"Frey has effectively created a bridge between kitchens in the past and those of today. There is no other in-depth look at Georgia foodways that can even compare to the scope of this book."
Rebecca Lang, chef
"Georgia's Historical Recipes never simply feels like just a historiography of Georgia cookbooks and recipes. It's so much more: a foodways history and recipe compendium, state and regional history, a collection of biographies, a personal memoir of sorts, a justification for the importance of archival collections, and a defense for studying foodways. This book offers many valuable contributions -
Rien Fertel
"Though meticulously footnoted, this academic tome is a breeze to read thanks to Frey's entertaining storytelling and sleuthing skills. Even if you're not inclined (as Frey was) to try your hand at Hickory Nut Macaroons, Swamp Plum Preserves, and other old-time delights, they provide fascinating insight into bygone days where neighbors bonded over homemade treats at town-wide picnics, peanut 'boil
