Exciting News!

I'm very excited to say that we have a big, bold change planed for this blog and lots of fun in store for historical fiction fans everywhere.  I guarantee that you'll be just as thrilled when you read the news.  Stay tuned....

The Origins of Soul Food

In THRONES, I suggested that Africans had an enormous influence on all aspects of Southern society, music, language, and humor but nowhere more than the transformation of the plantation table.  What we today call “Southern cuisine” and “Soul Food” have much in common. Both are the result of African ingredients and African cooks.

The oldest known published cookbook The Virginia Housewife written  by a highly regarded cook from Richmond, Mrs. Mary Randolph (1842), was followed 7 years later by The Carolina House-wife by Sarah Rutledge (1849). A very rare book that gives insight into African cooking is The House Servant's Directory (1827) by Roberts. Two other guides of that era are Hotel Keepers, Head Waiters, and Housekeeper's Guide (1848) by Campbell and much later, What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking (1881).

Much of the South followed the English tradition of late large breakfast, an extravagant dinner from 2:30 to 4 consisting of multiple roasts, vegetables, seafood, cheeses and sweets. Supper was served at 9 of an assortment of lighter foods such as battered eggs, oysters and fruit.

Yams were a primary source of food in Africa, and brought to the eastern seaboard by blacks along with melon, sorghum, limes, peanuts, sesame seed, okra, and millet. Corn, pork, beans, and rice were staples of both whites and blacks, though in different proportions.

Planters distributed staples to the quarters but also encouraged Africans to plant gardens. If Africans were fortunate enough to work by the job; those who completed the task early had additional time to, fish, and hunt, or forage for wild greens and berries. Sunday was devoted gardening, socializing, and working on their own projects and probably more elaborate meals.

In the big house, oysters were such a constant source of food that all along the seaboard, walkways were composed of crushed oyster shells. It is reported that Landon Carter of Sabine Hall harvested 20 bushels at a time, some reserved for “sauces of all kinds.” A planter’s family also had an abundance of prime cuts of pork, breads, preserves, bacon, and coffee or tea sweetened with sugar or molasses, and custards. In tradition with British culinary taste, nearly every dish was served with a sauce. Mary Randolph wrote of butter sauce, “Nothing is more simple than this process, and nothing so generally done badly.”

Archaeological digs give evidence of a variety of grains, seeds and pits that indicate transplanted Africans ate much of the same food they had always eaten: yams, okra, corn, rice, beans and leafy greens, roots, squash and fruit.

Ironically, Frederick Law Olmsted’s view was that the slaves might be eating a healthier diet than those they served.  A planter told him, “those fed on three-quarters of a pound of bread and bacon are more prone to disease than if with less meat but with vegetables.”  Seaboard Slave States

The quantities and ingredients varied, African women cooked for themselves in the quarters and for whites in the big house, using the same general staples and techniques for both. In doing so, they permanently recreated the plantation table, that resulted not only the famous “Southern Cuisine,” but the most satisfying succulent combinations that became known as “Soul Food.”

Though modern recipes for Soul Food can be found in abundance, few “recipes” for the earliest African American cooking are known to exist and even those are vague with unusual measurements. Below, I have gathered outlines for some of the earliest known preparations from antique journals, letters, Southern literature and those early cookbooks.

Cracklin’ Bread

(Cracklin’s are pieces of fried out hog fat

Soak cracklin’s in warm water until soft. Mash with cornmeal and salt. Bake in crockery or iron pan until brown.

Coffee

Boil rye without bursting it. Parch in sun. Use like coffee beans.

Coffee II

Toast cornmeal, add water. Boil well.

Coffee was also made of roast ground peanuts, acorns, potato and ground dandelion root.

Tea

Dried leaves of blackberry, huckleberry or holly, or scorched red root. Hot water added.

Vinegar

Vinegar was most frequently made from molasses.

Place molasses in jug or crock with four times the amount in water. Let stand for 2 or 3 months. It was also made with figs, persimmons, beets, or sorghum. 

Greens

Wash greens then soak with salt to rid them of insects. Drain and replace water and salt. Boil. Drain. Return to fire with salt and pepper or vinegar. Drop in chunk of butter, until melted.

Peas and Rice

Soak black-eyed peas overnight. Boil. Season with salt and pepper, Pour on rice.

A Famous Variation - Hoppin’ John

Still made by 21^st Century Southern Cooks

Soak and boil black-eyed peas or Carolina red cow peas with a hog joint. Fry out bacon fat with onion and garlic; add water and rice, slow boil until done. Add beans and any meat from joint.

Leavening

Burn corn cobs (preferably red cobs). Gather the ashes and place in a jug with water added according to the quantity of ashes. Use a spoonful or two with flour or meal to make bread.

Gumbo

Gumbo may be the most original food handed down from earliest African Americans.

Gumbo is the African word for a popular staple, okra.  Recipes with precise ingredients can be found in many modern cookbooks but all require meat, seafood or poultry and common ingredients in varying quantities.

Boil okra. Set aside.

Melt butter with similar amount of flour, stirring until light brown. Set aside.

Fry celery, green pepper and garlic in lard, oil or butter until tender. Add tomatoes, and stock or water to make broth and boil about half an hour. Stir butter flour mixture into broth.

Add meat or seafood, pre-cooked okra with its broth, bay leaves and any other herbs. Add hot peppers if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

Sassafras is a customary Louisiana addition, called file today. If using, remove small amount of liquid and stir in file, until well blended. Return to gumbo.  Serve as soup or pour over cooked rice.

Come By and Visit! Kensington Maryland's Day of the Book

I'll be celebrating the International Day of the Book in Kensington, Maryland! Please stop by for a visit!

Where: 3786 Howard Avenue to 3716 Howard Ave, Kensington Md 20895
When: Sunday, April 25, 2010, 11am-4pm, rain or shine
The 5th annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival will be Sunday, April 25, from 11am to 4pm on Howard Avenue in historic Old Town Kensington. This free afternoon outdoor street festival celebrates the International Day of the Book with over 100 authors, poets, bookartists, booksellers, small publishers, literary groups, and community organizations set up along Howard Avenue to show and discuss their works. Visitors will enjoy listening to poetry readings, author panels, live music, and more. Discover the unique charm of Old Town Kensington. Rain or shine.

Book Signing at Denver's Brass Armadillo

Please stop by Denver's  Brass Armadillo Antiques Mall on April 9 for wine, appetizers and book signing.  There will be copies of Thrones for sale but if you already have a copy, bring it over and I'll be happy to sign it for you.  Bring your questions too. Book signings are always more fun with a good conversation.

When:  April 9, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: The Brass Armadillo, 11301 I-70 Frontage Road N., Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033 
What: Book signing, wine & appetizers
For more Information:  303-403-1677

See you there!

"Canyon Courier" Interview

Vicky Gits recently came by for an interview and wrote a very nice piece for the Canyon Courier.  You can read her story here.

A Winner for Clue #7!

Congratulations to Paige Reddan who claimed book # 7 at the Woodrow Wilson House!

If you've never visited President Wilson's DC home, this is a great time to go. From February 11 to August 15, 2010, the house will showcase a selection of over 30 of President Wilson's most prized walking sticks including elaborate examples of American folk art and historically significant presentation pieces. These important artifacts tell the story of Wilson's life from his early years as a professor and later president of Princeton University, through his two terms in the White House, to his final struggle with disability.

Winner No. 3 at the Willard Hotel

Congratulations to Kim Cave who guessed that clue #3 lead to the Willard Hotel.  Unfortunately, Kim lives in the other Washington and can't easily visit this gorgeous venue in the heart of DC. Kim sent an email with her answer so we'll respond in kind and mail her a copy of Thrones.

For those of you who do live in the area, the Willard Hotel is a beautiful place to stop for a drink in the bar or dinner after the theatre.  It is said that President Grant spent so much time drinking brandy and smoking cigars at the Willard that many who needed favors would wait for him in the hotel's lobby.  They eventually became known as lobbyists.

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #7

To find this final copy of Thrones, solve this clue, visit the site and claim your prize. Good luck!

Part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this past-president's home showcases objects from the White House, personal memorabilia and elaborate gifts of state including a mosaic of St. Peter presented by Pope Benedict XV. Built in 1915 by architect Waddy Wood, the Georgian revival style home has been carefully preserved to reflect the era of "his" residence here. (Hours of operaton are 10am-4pm Tuesday - Sunday.)

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #6

To find this sixth copy of Thrones, solve the clue and be the first to visit the site and claim your prize.  Good luck!

Once the home of Joseph Nourse, first Register of the Treasury, this Federal period structure was described as "...one of the very finest and most beautiful houses in the United States," by architectural historian Fiske Kimball. Today, this beautiful property is a museum dedicated to educating the public about life in Washington, DC during the early years of the Republic. It is also the home of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. (Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 1.)

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #5

To find this fifth copy of Thrones, solve the clue and be the first to visit the site and claim the prize.  Good luck!

Established in 1856, Washington's oldest and most historic saloon was a favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt. Although not in its original location, this popular meeting spot opened at its current address in 1983 and is stall a favorite of political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers. Finding this book at this site could be a "bear."

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #4

Here's the clue to the location of the next copy of Thrones.  Solve the clue and be the first to visit this site to claim your prize.  Good luck!

The current occupants of this historic home and museum like to say that its history reflects the "militant side of the suffragist movement." Part of the Women's History Walking Tour, this location was the home of the founder of the National Woman's Party. The hours of operation are Wednesday - Sunday, noon - 4pm.

Winner No. 2 at President Lincon's Cottage

Eithne Ellis followed clue number 2 right to President Lincoln's Cottage.  The "cottage" is actually a lovely home on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Northwest DC.  President Lincoln and his family resided here from June to November of 1862, 1863 and 1864 and surely enjoyed the beautiful location despite  the many Soldiers camped on the property. Congratulations Eithne and thanks to the good folks at President Lincoln's Cottage!

We Have a Winner at Eastern Market!

Vince Burns found the first copy of Thrones (clue #1) at DC's Eastern Market on Capitol Hill.  The book was in the care of Angie at Blue Iris Flowers. 

Thanks to Eastern Market for being part of the fun,  Happy reading, Vince!

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #3

Here's the third clue to the "hidden" copies of Thrones located in historic spots around DC.  To find this book, solve this clue, be the first to visit the site and claim your prize.  Good luck!

Clue #3

A DC institution, this grand historic hotel has hosted almost every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce in 1853. Other notable guests have included Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill, and P.T. Barnum. On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King wrote his famous "I have A Dream" speech while a guest here and Mark Twain penned two books here in the early 1900s. The concierge holds the prize at this location.

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #2

Here is your clue to the location of the second "hidden" copy of Thrones.  Solve the clue and be the first person to visit this lovely site to claim your prize.  Good luck!

This "country home" served as a presidential residence for a quarter of this man's presidency. A quiet setting within DC, this "cottage" is still surrounded by 2.3 acres of land. President Clinton declared the site a National Monument on July 7, 2000; however it is stewarded and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hours of operation are Sunday (11:30am-5:30pm) and Monday-Saturday (9:30am-4:30pm).

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #1

Well, the weather set us back a day but the Literary Treasure Hunt is on!

We've left copies of Thrones at a variety of historic sites around DC.  We'll post clues to the whereabouts of the books and all you have to do is be the first to solve the clue, visit the site, and claim your prize.  Here's your clue to the "hiding place" of the first copy of Thrones.  Good Luck!


Clue #1


Public fresh-food markets were included in L'Enfant's original plans for the City of Washington.  Capitol Hill has had a farmers' market from almost the inception of the city. Designed by Adolph Cluss, this historic spot was completed in 1873 and has been in continuous operation since that time. Today, this is one of the few public markets left in Washington, DC, and the only one retaining its original public market function. Additional hint needed for this location: Author Gloria Bradfield's favorite flower is the iris.

Literary Treasure Hunt: weather update

Mother nature has been having a party in Washington this winter -- especially this past week! Our historic sites are still ready to participate but our ability to deliver the books has been stymied.  With a little luck (and some snow plow assistance) the books will be delivered in time for the hunt to start this weekend.

Check back tomorrow for an update and thanks for your patience!

Exciting News! Literary Treasure Hunt in Washington, DC

I'm very excited to announce that we're sponsoring a Literary Treasure Hunt in Washington, DC later this month.  We'll be "hiding" copies of Thrones at historic locations all around the city (all the locations have agreed to be part of the fun). Clues to help you find the books will be posted right here.  Even if you aren't in DC for the Treasure Hunt, reading the clues and the reveals will teach you a little more about the events that shaped our country.

The Literary Treasure Hunt begins on February 12 (Abraham Lincoln's birthday) and ends on February 22 (George Washington's birthday).  Stay tuned for all the details!

N.P. Willis Describes President Tyler’s New Year’s Reception

One of the distinguished guests of President Tyler at the New Year’s reception of 1844, was the poet, N. P. Willis, who afterward wrote the following account of his experience on that occasion:

“New Year’s Day has passed, and never was a brighter and gayer anniversary seen in the metropolis. The sun shone out in unusual splendor, and the day was mild and refreshing as a morning in early spring. The whole population was in the streets, and Pennsylvania Avenue, with its throng of gay and animated faces, would have reminded you of a time of carnival. The boarding-houses messes turned out their complement of members of Congress; the fancy shops were filled with lively, merry hearts; and the masses, in their holiday suits, were on their way to the President’s house, to see and be seen in the great levee.

"We went to the President’s, early, before twelve o’clock; and, even at this hour, the long line of carriages in front, dotted here and there with the liveries and cockades of the cortèges of the Foreign Ministers, foretold that a goodly company had already arrived. We made our entrance through the crowd at the front door, unresisted by guards of bayonets. And passed on to the receiving rooms, without any ceremony, and shook the hand of the President of the United States.

“The President was surrounded by his Cabinet, and giving to each guest, as he approached, a very bland salutation, he handed them over to the ladies of the family on his left. The receiving room in the centre Oval room, and passing from thence into another adjoining apartment, following in the train of the crowd, you find yourself in the far-famed East Room, where sovereigns of the land make their circuit. It was crowded on this occasion, and every class of society was fully represented. The room presented a bright and gratifying scene; all seemed to feel at home and each face bore an abandon of care.

“The number of ladies was unusually large and some were very beautiful, in full morning-dress, with hats and feathers and glittering gowns, standing in one position. While the company made the evolution of the room, you saw all that passed. The officers of the army and navy in full dress made a fine appearance. Among the latter were see Major-generals Scott, Gaines, Gibson, Towson, Jessup – all heroes of the (Mexican) war. Many Senators and members of the House were present, and this being the first levee of many of the new members, they were particularly attracted by the brilliant court costumes of some of the Foreign Ministers. The dress of the Mexican Minister, General Almonte, seemed to carry the day, in the rich profusion of gold embroidery. The dress of the French Minister, of blue and gold, was rich and unpretending. The Spanish Minister and suite, in light blue and silver, looked well. The Brazilian, in green and gold, the white Austrian and Swedish uniforms, were very handsome.”

From Inside History of the White House  by Gilson Willets

New York

The Christian Herald

Louis Klopsch, Proprietor

Bible House

Copyright 1908