Chris Kimball, the founder of the utterly fabulous Cooks Illustrated and well know as the host of America's Test Kitchen (a PBS series), has several books out, but his most recent struck me as worthy of a post, as I think it would make an excellent gift for anyone who is a foodie in your life, but also for someone who likes the Victorian Era, Boston's history or is just a lover of detail.The book is called Fannie's Last Supper and is available at any bookstore. It's $25.99 but is discounted to $18.99 at Barnes and Noble (members get an extra 10% off), and can be as low as 25-40% off with one of Boarder's membership coupons. Amazon offers it for $15.20 (how do they do that?).
In her day Fannie Farmer's cookbook, The Boston Cooking School Cook Book, circa 1896, was THE book to have, and came out at a time where food was a way for people to express themselves... Hence, many course meals were in vogue, as were the elaborate table settings, linens, lighting. Attendant table manners and etiquette became all the rage.
For about two years he experimented (with the help of team) how to make all the recipes authentically - which will promise to make a fascinating read filled with delicious details.
If you click on this link to NPR you can see pictures of the dinner itself, which was served in the Kimballs' brownstone in Boston's South End. Quite lush and magnificent! Of particular interest is the coal stove that they cooked everything on, which they had refurbished and installed in the kitchen. I can't wait to give this gift!
Comments
Thanks!