Overview
During the Civil War years of 1861-65, one of the daily issues in soldier's lives was the next meal. Food, the lack thereof, how to forage for it, and how to prepare it were nagging problems that dodged soldiers generally had a far greater quantity of food than did their southern adversaries. However, even the more fortunate Yanks suffered from both periods of slim rations and generally poor cooking. The text combines a well-written explanation of each recipe and a serving of social history. By providing background information, the importance of preparing items such as Jonnycakes, fried apples, navy bean soup, or gingerbread can be understood. This combination of an informative text, ample illustrations, and easy to follow recipes make for a fun filled and enlightening book.Discusses everyday life, cooking methods, foods, and celebrations of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Includes recipes.
Synopsis
During the Civil War years of 1861-65, one of the daily issues in soldier's lives was the next meal. Food, the lack thereof, how to forage for it, and how to prepare it were nagging problems that dodged soldiers generally had a far greater quantity of food than did their southern adversaries. However, even the more fortunate Yanks suffered from both periods of slim rations and generally poor cooking. The text combines a well-written explanation of each recipe and a serving of social history. By providing background information, the importance of preparing items such as Jonnycakes, fried apples, navy bean soup, or gingerbread can be understood. This combination of an informative text, ample illustrations, and easy to follow recipes make for a fun filled and enlightening book.
Children's Literature
The popular image of Confederate soldiers is often a ragged lot searching for food. Sadly, this image holds far more truth than those fighters would have wished. While the South was a great agricultural bastion it suffered from transportation shortfalls and economic cohesion. As a result, its armies were often short of food and materials. Still, the rebel soldier was a typically resourceful person. In various and assorted ways they found food or creatively made use of the rations given them. This companion volume to a similar text dealing with Union soldiers and their foodstuffs provides a fascinating combination of background information concerning Confederate soldiers' standard diets with period recipes. This "hands on" approach to history provides readers with the opportunity to create and sample the food. Readers will be able to make hardtack, Cush, white cornbread, and Sally Lunn bread. Each recipe is clearly written and accompanied by appropriate safety tips. The text, wonderful period illustrations, and the cooking activities, make this book a fine addition to any history library. Not only will readers learn facts about the lives of common Civil War soldiers but they will also have a chance to recreate a slice of history. 2000, Blue Earth Books, Ages 7 to 12, $22.60. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck