Libby McNamee's Blog, page 5

“Dolley Madison” #1 New Release on Amazon!

“Dolley Madison and the War of 1812” is the #1 New Release on Amazon in TWO categories–Children’s 1800s American Historical Fiction and Children’s United States Biographies! Huzzah!

Live: “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812”

Huzzah! It’s time for Dolley to come out in style! Welcome to the world!

Preorder Live for “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812”

Huzzah! It’s time for Dolley to come out in style! Welcome to the world!

4th of July Birthday for “Susanna’s Midnight Ride”

On the 4th of July, “Susanna’s Midnight Ride” turned three years old! Here’s a two-minute talk from Libby McNamee at the Yorktown Victory Monument, a memorial column with a Liberty statue commemorating the 1871 Battle Yorktown and the resulting peace treaties with the British.

Huzzah!!

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Launch Party for “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812”

Please join me for a family-friendly launch party on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. The festivities will take place from 5-8 PM at the fabulous Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille in the lovely Church Hill area of Richmond. It’s right across the street from historic St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry delivered his infamous line, “Give me liberty or give me death.” The address is 2300 E Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223.

So, why is August 24th the release date? It just so happens to be the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City!

Launch Party for “Dolley Madison & the War of 1812”

Please join me for a family-friendly launch party on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. The festivities will take place from 5-8 PM at the fabulous Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille in the lovely Church Hill area of Richmond. It’s right across the street from historic St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry delivered his infamous line, “Give me liberty or give me death.” The address is 2300 E Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223.

So, why is August 24th the release date? It just so happens to be the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City!

President Madison Declares War!

On June 18, 1812, almost 209 years ago, President James Madison declared war on Great Britain, the strongest military power in the world. This ominous decision marked America’s first time to wage war on a foreign country during its short existence. And how woefully unprepared were we. (Yoda wrote the previous sentence.)

The War of 1812 was America’s most unpopular war in history, even more than Vietnam! Wow! The votes in Congress were extremely close. They are still the closest in our history for taking such an action. The House of Representatives voted in favor, 79 to 49. Then the Senate passed the House bill by an even narrower margin, 19 to 13.
There was a bitter divide between the two parties. The “Jeffersonian” Republicans supported the war, while the “Hamiltonian” Federalists opposed it. In fact, every member of the Federalist Party voted against it. Even 25% of the Republicans chose to abstain. 
Read more in “Dolley Madison & the War of 1812: America’s First Lady” and its accompanying STUDY GUIDE, releasing on August 24, 2021.

Book Fair Featured Speaker on Historical Research

Dolley Madison’s Fairy Butter — Recipe

Legendary for her entertaining, Dolley Madison spent an astronomical $50 a day on food while living at the President’s House. Fairy butter was among her favorite recipes, and she often served it to guests along with gingerbread. It was also quite popular with Virginia cooks during that time period. Ingredients4 large hardboiled-egg yolks5 teaspoons orange-flower water (available on Amazon)4 to 6 tablespoons sugar (preferably superfine)1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softenedDirectionsMash the egg yolks with the orange-flower water. Add the sugar, and mix into a smooth paste.Work in the butter until the mixture is smooth, and set aside in a cool place for 2 to 3 hours.Press the butter through a strainer into a small serving bowl. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Makes 1 cup, and a little goes a long way.Courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and The President’s Cookbook

Dolley Madison’s Woodbury Cinnamon Teacakes – Recipe

1 large egg, separatedpinch of salt1 cup sugar1/2 cup milk1 teaspoon vanilla1 cup flour2 tablespoons melted butter1 teaspoon baking powder1 tablespoon ground cinnamonPreheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease either a bundt pan or a mini bundt pan. Alternatively, you can also use a square baking pan. When using a bundt pan, be sure to butter and then flour the pan so the cake will easily come out of the forms after baking. Beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until still soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg yolk, and vanilla; slowly fold it into the egg whites. Fold in the flour, melted butter, baking powder, and cinnamon until just combined. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan or mini pans.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Invert the cake onto a metal rack for cooling. Immediately, while the cake is still warm from the oven, brush on the additional 2 tablespoons melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake. —Presidents’ Cookbook at p. 91, as adapted by 31Daily.com