Kristin Holt's Blog, page 11

Victorian Fare: Cookies

Today, December 4th, is National Cookie Day. In recognition of this little-known occasion, I've gathered Victorian-era cookie recipes of various kinds to share. Can you imagine baking like this? Given many ingredients and measuring methods are unfamiliar to today's cooks, I've shared brief info about those mystery ingredients and 19th-century measuring implements.

Vintage Cake Recipes

True-to-history, Victorian (and one Edwardian) Cake Recipes published in era newspapers share not only a love for cake (as today is National Cake Day), but share a slice of life with amateur historians. Basic baking ingredients, methods, a desire to practice economy ("cheap" was a positive and desirable compliment)--all give today's cake-lover a glimpse into America's Victorian life.

Victorian America’s Harvest Celebrations

Harvest Celebrations from the mid- to latter-half of the 19th century, as reported in newspapers in the United States, show the different types of "Harvest Customs" celebrated. Some customs and words were borrowed from various German immigrants, others were simple gatherings after the work of the harvest with time for thanksgiving and gratitude for adequate (or abundant) food to last until next harvest season.

BOOK REVIEW: The Butchering Art by Lindsey Fitzharris

My expectations, upon first discovering this new release by Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris, were significantly surpassed as I listened to the Audible edition. As a nurse and a student of history, I crave accuracy in historical fiction, and this title has informed and empowered me to do a better job when including medical practitioners in my nineteenth century fiction. Significant elements of this book have stayed with me for weeks after listening to this book (just released on Halloween [2017]!). Can't recommend it enough to the curious, to amateur (and professional) historians, and to readers and authors of Historical Fiction. 5 stars!

Shooting Contests in Victorian America

Victorian America enjoyed shooting contests in a wide range of settings--from professional marksman organizations to small town celebrations. Come see vintage newspaper articles about events that pitted man against man and measured skills of accuracy.

BOOK REVIEW: Wicked Women: Notorious, Mischievous, and Wayward Ladies from the Old West by Chris Enss

Book Review of Chris Enss's title: Wicked Women: Notorious, Mischievous, and Wayward Ladies from the Old West. This nonfiction, informative, entertaining book presents women of the Old West--their impact and influence on mining towns, settling the west, and men from prospectors to politicians.

Correspondence Courtship Scam (1905)

In 1905, The Courier of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania published an article detailing a "Correspondence" Courtship Scam. A young, innocent girl lost more than her heart, more than $1,000 (a fortune in today's dollar)--she lost her confidence and her trust in humanity.

Errors of Modern Courtship: 1881

This vintage newspaper article, printed in Washington, D.C. in 1881, speaks frankly of concerns a minister has in the way young people go about courtship. Compared to today's parents' and grandparents' concerns, we might draw parallel (or direct) comparisons. Much has changed, and much stays the same.

BOOK REVIEW: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

My book review of Jody Hedlund's title With You Always, Book 1 in her highly rated Orphan Train Series. This blog article includes connections to historically accurate events and elements used by Hedlund as a backdrop to this powerful Christian Historical Novel (Romance). 4.5 stars!

Victorian Fare: Yorkshire Pudding

Today, October 13th, is National Yorkshire Pudding Day! The side dish comes to America's melting pot from England, well before the Victorian era. I'll share recipes from the 19th century American newspapers as well as my husband's family's modern recipe. Yum!