Description
Book SynopsisFrom its pre-Christian origins to the present, food has always been central to Christmas; a feast at which tradition, nostalgia, innovation, symbolism, and indulgence all come together at the table. This book explores the rich story of Christmas food and feasting, tracing the history of how our festive menu evolved and inherited elements of pagan ritual, medieval traditions, early modern innovations, Victorian romanticism, and contemporary commercialism. Although it makes reference to global traditions, it focuses specifically on the story of how the British Christmas meal evolved, both on its native shores and beyond. It considers the origins, form, and structure of the modern British Christmas dinner, with its codified menu and iconic festive dishes and drinks. It also tells the story of what happened to that meal as it was taken throughout the Empire, becoming entrenched in places most strongly associated with the British Diaspora. In these places, spread across the Globe, keeping a
Trade ReviewEver wondered why we eat and drink the foods and beverages at Christmas? Madeline Shanahan’s Christmas Food and Feasting uncovers the culinary traditions served at Christmas across the “Anglosphere” from the middle ages to the present day. It is filled with surprising twists and unexpected derivations from riotous parties and drinking bouts of the past to the sedate family sit-down dinners of today. This well-researched and well-documented book is also a fun read! -- Andrew Smith, Culinary Historian
Shanahan’s deep research is like a stocking hung full of scholarly insights into the cultural significance of Christmas feasting. It is a sweet read for those who pause to ponder how and why our traditions have evolved. -- Cathy Kaufman, president, Culinary Historians of New York; adjunct professor of Food Studies, The New School University
Table of ContentsChapter One- A short history of Christmas Chapter Two- Meats and Main Chapter Three- Puddings and desserts Chapter Four- Festive cakes Chapter Five- Sweet treats Chapter Six- Drink
