Presents recipes used during the American Civil War, intertwining history and cuisine for insights into the lives of soldiers on the battlefield and their loved ones at home.

Every Civil War buff will want to own this unique cookbook, which takes the reader right into the kitchens of 19th-century America. Illustrated with wonderful period photographs, it intertwines history and food for a fascinating new look at the lives of Civil War soldiers and their families. Traditional recipes, illustrated with full-color photographs and highlighted with historical anecdotes, include instructions for recreating treats sent in care packages to soldiers in the field, camp dishes, and special meals.

"Discusses the everyday life, cooking methods, foods, and celebrations of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Includes recipes and sidebars"--

"[Hardtack was] positively unsuitable fodder for anything that claims to be human...and I think it no exaggeration to say that any intelligent pig possessing the least spark of pride would have considered it a pure insult to have them put into his swill." (Wilbur Fisk, Civil War soldier). We know the uniforms they wore, the weapons they carried, and the battles they fought, but what did they eat and, of even greater curiosity, was it any good? Now, for the very first time, the food that fueled the armies of the North and the South and the soldiers' opinions of it--ranging from the sublime to just slime--is front and center in a biting, fascinating look at the Civil War as written by one of its most respected historians. There's even a comprehensive "cookbook" of actual recipes included for those intrepid enough to try a taste of the Civil War.

This fascinating study in cultural history presents a variety of Civil War-era recipes from the South, accompanied by intriguing essays describing this tumultuous period. This second volume in the American Food in History series sheds new light on cooking and eating in the Civil War South, pointing out how seemingly neutral recipes can reveal aspects of life beyond the dinner plate, from responses to the anti-slavery movement to shifting economic imperatives to changing ideas about women's roles.

Readers will enjoy making sweet potato pie, praline sauce, and other foods eaten during the Civil War as they learn about this important time in American history. Each recipe features step-by-step instructions presented in a clear way. Historical context is provided in the form of a captivating, fact-filled narrative about life during the Civil War. The accessible text is focused on food in this era, providing readers with a fresh perspective on a common social studies curriculum topic. Historical and contemporary images—including primary sources—add an exciting visual component to this reading experience.