The Secret History of Christmas Baking: Recipes & Stories from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys

Excellent item arrived right on schedule!

A read that takes one literally all over the world as the author delves into the history of recipes that have become a staple at Christmas. The origins aren't always related to Christmas and ingredients have origins ranging from China to the Caribbean and South America. The historical stories sometimes have the oddest origins from witches and apothecaries and medicinal uses. Recipes and crafts are included. I found it a fascinating read.I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is, at its heart, a recipe book, and I don't do recipe books...*but*-!This is by the same author who did THE OLD MAGIC OF CHRISTMA, which is a delightful, nonstandard history of Christmas' pagan antecedents—truly, "not your mother's Christmas book." This volume is about the Christmas standards: stollen, gingerbread, fruitcake, and all, full of the spices and nuts we consider essential to the holiday, and the history of the use of these spices along with the recipes for these items (and more) included. For instance, one used to have to get spices from apothecaries, as they were used in ancient medicines. Raedisch's history begins, indeed, in ancient Egypt, with a recipe using "tiger nuts." Did you know that candy corn was originally invented as a Christmas treat? In the United States, where corn syrup replaced marzipan as a sweetening for the lower classes, the result was candy corn! Also covered is Germany's Christkindl, portrayed by a young woman in a crown, the bleak companions of St. Nicholas who meted out punishments, and finally American contributions to gingerbread lore via the Pennsylvania Dutch.History and vintage recipes all in one volume! I'm here for the history, but I don't mind the other.

Linda Raedisch has done it again with her look at the Christmas holiday, but this time with a view from the kitchen and the magical significance of the spices we have used for so long in our baking. Her delightful sense of humor is present, even when the stories become a little bleak. Every baker needs to know this book.

What a fascinating historical read that seemed extremely well researched. I’ll admit I requested it thinking it would mostly be a recipe book, and while there are recipes, there is way more history and some other fun things like crafts to go along with baking for a meal. I’ve tried some of the recipes out with my German family, and gingerbread is a staple in our house for Christmas, but most of the recipes I haven’t tried or likely even tasted (I only made one from the book so far). I think this would make a really good gift to a loved one this holiday season!!Thank you NetGalley, Linda Raedisch and Llewelyn worldwide for the arc to review. I really enjoyed this and think it would be happy in many peoples homes!

THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS BAKING by Linda Raedisch is a wonderful book about the origins and history of traditional Christmas fare. I found the stories fascinating as she takes us to ancient Egypt,India, North America, and many European countries. I learned (but I'm not surprised) that many of our beloved Christmas treats weren't actual Christian dishes. I really liked learning about spices, sugar, and their origins. I was surprised, and inspired to read they were commonly used in savory foods. There are delicious sounding recipes after each story. I look forward to buying a hard copy of this book for my Daughter, and one myself as well. Linda Raedisch doesn't know it, but my world just got a lot yummier.

Take a journey through time and many countries to learn the backstory of many of your favorite holiday treats. Gingerbread in ancient Egypt, Fruitcake in America are just a few of the traditional treats this book is filled with not to mention their beginnings. I love trying recipes new to me and had fun having a go at soft Gingerbread which I found to be quite tasty. I also enjoyed making the Mincemeat cookies and look forward to making them a new holiday tradition this year! Filled with iconic Christmas recipes this lovely cookbook will definitely get you in the mood for the holidays.

Food history is a particular favorite of mine, and The Secret History of Christmas Baking was as fascinating as I had hoped for.This is packed full of authentic history, recipes (including the origins and history of), crafts, with a nice helping of humor.I discovered so much that I had previously been unaware of in this title! I had a great time reading TSHoCB and learned a lot.If you’re intrigued with holiday baking, food history, or are just looking for a unique holiday cookbook, look no further.Recommended.Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and NetGalley for the DRC!