Customer Reviews

Felicity's Cookbook: A Peek at Dining in the Past with Meals You Can Cook Today (American Girls Collection)

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As an experienced cook, I found the recipes in this book to be somewhat simplistic. However, since it was intented for children, I believe that the basic text and detailed instructions included are forgiveable. My family has found several favorites among these recipes, and every dish we've tried has come out well. Most other children's cookery books tend to focus so much on cooking techniques that the actual recipe is forgotten. I found that not to be the case here. Kid's can have fun both making these dishes, and eating the product of their labors. The historical facts about our War for Independance included are also interesting. I would definitely give this book an A+, in the veiw of both teacher and practical cook.

Felicity Merriman and her family came from England to settle in the new colonies at the brink of revolution in 1774 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Chronologically both in settlement and the first in the American Girl series of growing up in America, Felicity set the standards for the series.

The Merrimans are wealthy enough to have servants and slaves, therefore Felicity had to learn housewifery, or the managing of a home. She did learn to cook everything so she could see how it was done and thus monitor the cooking done in her own home.

The Merrimans would have had a dairy, usually built two feet into the ground and over a cool spring. Thick walls helped with the cooling. The smokehouse was another essential outbuilding for smoking and curing meats to last all winter.

In addition to specific recipes for breakfast, dinner at mid-afternoon, and favorites for various times, there is a colonial party that students can plan. There are also historical tidbits scattered throughout the book.

The American Girl publisher has entire lines of historical fiction for each girl, craft books, plays, costumes, and the like. The following are the ones for Felicity:

Felicity: An American Girl : Meet Felicity/Felicity Learns a Lesson/Felicity's Surprise/Happy Birthday, Felicity!/Felicity Saves the Day/Changes for or you can buy each separately.

Felicity's Craft Book: A Look at Crafts from the Past With Projects You Can Make Today (The American Girls Collection. American Girls Pastimes)

The American Girls Art Studio: Felicity (American Girls Collection Sidelines)Felicity Fashion Studio (American Girl)

These American Girl series are great for use in studying American history in elementary school for obvious reasons. A great set for elementary libraries. Also great gift ideas for girls 9-12.

Felicity's Cook Book is an invaluable teaching tool for young history students. Boys and girls will be entertained with more than the preparation of these 18th century recipes updated for modern kitchens, but the historical setting as well. Imagine preparing for a party with appropriate recipes, place settings, decorations, clothes and music!

Lavish illustrations and simple directions are sure to make Felicity's Cook Book a favorite with your family for years to come!

Highly recommended!