What My Grandmother Taught Me

From everything I've been told about my grandmother, she was an excellent cook. She measured flour with her hand instead of a measuring cup. She could take a head of cabbage and feed a table of ten with it during the Depression. She'd bake dozens of dinner rolls every morning to feed her family and share with needy neighbors.

A few of her recipes were past down, and one thing my grandmother taught me was recipes mean a great deal to families --- they are in fact a part of a family's history. So when I was writing my novel 'Surrender the Wind', I decided to include cookery, as it was called in Colonial times, to the story.  Three women, each having their own best dish. A  hero that loves his wife's baking. A housekeeper to an Annapolis lawyer that frets over whether or not her roasted chicken is to his dinner guests' liking. And a servant whose stewed apples tempt the hardy appetite of a local constable.

Over three posts, I will include their recipes. First here is Mrs. Partridge's Colonial Maryland Roasted Chicken. Let me share a bit about her first from the novel.

Stowefield sat at his desk dozing, his steel spectacles hanging low on the bridge of his nose. His hair was a mass of gray locks, matching a pair of bushy eyebrows. His housekeeper nudged him on the shoulder and he shook and sputtered awake.

          “What is it, Partridge?”

Seth waited inside the doorway. He smiled at the pronouncement of the woman’s name. She resembled the bird, with her tiny eyes and spherical face, stout neck and body, the way her arms hung away from her sides when she walked.

          “Mr. Braxton here to see you.” Partridge folded her hands over her apron. “You must rise from your nap.”

Mrs. Partridge's Colonial Maryland Roasted Chicken 

1 Tender hen

1 Sprig of Rosemary 

1 large Onion cut into quarters

Enough red-skinned potatoes to feed the Continental Army

Stuff the fowl rosemary and onion

Cut potatoes and toss with butter

Lay hen in baking dish and surround with potatoes

Roast at 325 until done

Do not allow the fowl to overcook, nor for the skin to blacken. . . even though gentlemen such as Mr. Stowefield ( her employer and Annapolis lawyer) and Mr. Braxton ( the hero ) say it is quite delicious.

 

Visit my website and read about Surrender the Wind, and a new series, The Daughters of the Potomac, to be released beginning February 1, 2012

http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com/

A Williamsburg Christmas

Williamsburg, Virginia is a delightful destination to visit any time of the year, but something special happens here every fall as this quaint village prepares to celebrate Christmas. For the past seventy years, what is now known as “Grand Illumination” has been the official start to the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg. This event falls on the first Sunday of December and draws thousands of visitors every year.

Colonial Williamsburg, an 18^th century village, in the heart of Williamsburg covers over three hundred acres and made up of eighty-eight original houses, shops, and public buildings reconstructed on their original foundations. Through fastidious research, every effort has been made to recreate the 18^th century colonial capitol. Visitors to the historic area will see, hear, and experience a living history lesson about government, religion, the trades, homes, shops, taverns, clothing and culture as they go about town and chat with the colonial garbed and knowledgeable staff.

Pomegranate, Holly, & Boxwood Wreath

at the Courthouse

Cotton, Berries, Feather, Antlers, 

& Pine Wreath at Shield’s Tavern

Eighteenth century Christmas celebrations in Virginia were primarily of English origin and limited to attending religious services, very modest gift giving, and families and friends gathering for feasting and singing. Outdoor decorating in colonial times was practically non-existent. Colonial Williamsburg began including adornments in the 1930’s in an effort to accommodate more modern traditions. The decision was made to use only materials which were available locally during the colonial period, thereby not compromising authenticity.

They use materials such as apples, oranges, pineapples, berries, pomegranates, lemons, as well as herbs, vegetables, dried flowers, shells, feathers, holly and other greenery arranged in wreaths, swags and roping. Perishable items in these decorations are replaced as needed throughout the season. Decorations are designed according to their ultimate destination. For example, dried flowers and other heartier materials are used on doors that get an abundance of sunshine, with the more perishable fruit and vegetables used in shadier areas.

The main thoroughfare in the historic district is Duke of Gloucester Street. During a daytime stroll at this season one will see practically every door decorated with original, professionally designed wreaths which will be judged and awarded ribbons in various categories.

The natural materials are embellished with pages 

from 1770’s VA Gazette & Colonial Clay Pipes 

at the Raleigh Tavern

Swags and evergreen roping can also be found on many of the structures. Many windows are adorned with smaller yet

Fan designs appear over some doors

similarly themed ornamentation; however they usually are affixed in the corners to allow for the visibility of the candles that will be lit at dusk.

Wrought Iron Cresset

As evening approaches battery operated or electric candles (obviously a break with the colonial tradition) are lit in every window throughout the town. This Williamsburg tradition has caught on with visitors and is now practiced all around the country. At dusk, bonfires are lit at various locations and “cressets” that line Duke of Gloucester Street will be set aflame. These wrought iron poles and baskets, 6-7 feet in height, are filled with a resinous pine, thereby providing lighting for the colonial streets.

Throughout the day and evening hours, market stands in the historic area provide visitors hot cider, coffee, chocolate and cold refreshments as well as bakery items. The taverns furnish an authentic 18th century eating experience for hungry visitors.

An a cappella group from the College of William & Mary, located at one end of Duke of Gloucester Street, as well as other singers and musical programs perform on outdoor stages throughout Colonial Williamsburg.

A spectacular fireworks display, launched simultaneously from three different sights, the Governor’s Palace, the Magazine and the Capitol is the culmination of a wonderfully festive evening. It’s no surprise that visitors return year after year.

Research On A Shoestring: Books

Writers aren't made of money. Unfortunately for us. While the Internet--specifically Google Books--has become an invaluable resource, sometimes Google doesn't have the answer you need.

There are many instances where the library won't do either. A book we're after can be used for multiple projects, you can't find it in a library system and don't want to wait x number of weeks for it to arrive via World Cat or inter-library loan.

So what's a writer to do when you need to buy a book, but the price on Amazon is enough to cause a heart attack? I experienced that about eight months ago when I stumbled across The Cotton Planter's Manual by J.A. Turner. I found it for free on Google Books, but I also looked for it on Amazon. All the sellers wanted nearly $30 for it! That's unreal.

But there's another trick I want to share with you. What do you do when Google lets you down and the price on Amazon makes you faint? Panic attacks over price are not outside the realm of possibility for those of us who write in more... obscure time periods and settings.

Used.addall.com is a researcher's other best friend. Many of you have probably never heard of it. I only know about it because I'm a Nancy Drew, Judy Bolton and Hardy Boys collector. In the world of children's series books, Addall is a gold mine. It searches every reputable used book store on the Internet, including some you've never heard of.

There are multiple ways to use Addall. You can search for a specific title, a specific author, or just by keyword. Since Google Books is always my first stop I usually know exactly what book I'm after. The research book I'm reading now, The End of An Era: New Orleans, 1850-1860, is $25 new. My research budget isn't even big enough to be called a shoestring, so that was too much. I hopped over to Addall and found a gently used copy for $5.

One caveat. I recommend you make sure the box for Alibris is NOT checked. Alibris is notorious for over-pricing. Serious book collectors don't do regular business with Alibris sellers.

Next time you're pulling your hair out over your skyrocketing research budget and Google lets you down, Addall is your new best friend.

Dress, Shoes, and Stays - Oh My!

Lately I've had to make the leap in time from colonial fashion to early 19th-century fashion in the new novel I'm writing. Believe me, it's a tricky transition! Though Regency era clothing is lovely in some respects, my heart has always been at home with 18th-century fashions. My love affair with colonial dress began early. When I was a girl, my Kentucky granny sewed me a linen costume much like these above, complete with ivory apron, cap, and fichu, only my dress was burgundy. I loved it and wore it in the 1776 bicentennial parade in Lexington, Kentucky.I also had a love affair with paper dolls. Remember those McCall's magazines that had paper dolls? I awaited my mom's issues every month and cut out those costumes with glee:) When I look back now I see that I was being given inspiration even way back when. Over time I began to long for a "real" colonial gown of my own, a reproduction that would help me identify with the colonial heroines in my books. But these kinds of items are very expensive and I couldn't justify the cost. But, thankfully, the Lord often gives us the desires of our hearts in ways we least expect:) Last October I "stumbled" onto e-bay, a place I'd never been, and found a beautiful period gown. The lace on the gown I bought for a song is over 100 years old. It's made of high quality silk taffeta that rustles when you walk and truly feels like a dream. The seamstress is a colonial artist who sews period gowns for the models who are in her paintings. She was letting some of her gowns go for a very reasonable price and I happened upon this one dress right after she posted it for sale.
It didn't take long for me to discover you're only half-dressed for colonial times when you only have the dress. But stays - oh my! Almost as expensive as a gown! This photo shows "jumps" instead of stays. Anyone want to explain the difference? I'm still saving my shillings for stays.

Next item needed was a shift. I ordered this one. The feel of this linen shift is so different than cotton and gives a wonderful glimpse into the undergarments or "small clothes" people wore then. The stays go on over the shift, if you're wondering. I won't even begin to talk about pocket hoops and petticoats;)

This hat is from the Colonial Williamsburg collection and is my favorite. The needlework is exquisite, don't you think?
These complete a woman's wardrobe - clocked stockings and buckles and shoes. No, they're not mine but I can dream, can't I? All that's missing are the garters. My favorite thing about the colonial period? No underpants!

What fashion era do you like best?

Review of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna White

Fiction Monday Review

Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland

By Roseanna M. White

Summerside Press (December 2011)

Roseanna has written a beautiful book.  Her voice is fresh and lovely.  She lends authenticity to the story with her own history of having attended college in historic Annapolis.  Her love for the city is evident in her descriptions.  The story is set during the time Annapolis was the nation’s capital during a short time in 1783-84. Roseanna is a member of Colonial American Christian Writers, a group which I founded, and Roseanna also contributes to Colonial Quills, our group blog.  It was so fun seeing some of the topics we researched together as a group showing up in the book!  That was one of the neatest things about this novel, on a personal level.  We appreciate her acknowledgement of the group, as well! 

The premise for this book is not a typical romance nor even for historical romances.  So if the reader is expecting a cookie cutter romance this is not going to be their book. This is not a “let me settle in for my light romance” read.  Both the hero, Emerson Fielding,  and the heroine, Lark,  are flawed people who have a very significant parting right near the beginning.  This is a Christian fiction and both of these characters have the strongest character arcs I have seen since I can ever remember.  I suspect that is one of the many reasons RT gave this book their top amount of stars and selected it as the December Top Inspirational Pick.  There is profound change in Lark and Emerson, particularly as God leads them to be the persons they were meant to be and not who they had been at home in Virginia. 

One thing unique about this book is that the life issues of the young woman are portrayed with such authentic emotion as are Lark’s interpretation of her former fiance’s actions. Because Ms. White is still in her twenties, I believe she is well able to capture with a freshness and vivacity and authenticity the angst of this age group.  Granted, Roseanna married young and has little children, but it is clear when reading this book that she offers a unique and fresh author’s voice, and a way of characterization that is more in line with how a young person would indeed react. 

If you are going to read this book, don’t pick it up until you have several nights open in a row.  You will want to know what happens and won’t want to set this one aside and come back to it.

Bibliotherapy: The hero is a Revolutionary War veteran with PTSD.  The heroine has been “acting” out a role rather than displaying who God intended her to be.  She has been dishonest with herself and with others in revealing who and what she is.  Forgiveness and mercy and restoration of relationship are main themes.

Giveaway:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this book in your choice of format.  Please leave your email address, also.