Customer Reviews

Of Sugar and Snow: A History of Ice Cream Making (California Studies in Food and Culture)

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You learn a lot from this book if you make ice cream or want to make it. But even if you're content to keep buying your ice cream in a supermarket, the book is fun and informative reading. It's a true social history of the last few centuries in Europe and in the U.S. By tracing the paths ice cream took from a luxury for the rich and titled through a substitute for liquor doing prohibition to its place in today's world, it teaches this history painlessly. And it's really enjoyable to read.

Jeri Quinzio serves up an erudite, well-researched and anecdotal history of the sweetest innocent pleasures. To feed your cravings, I suggest pairing "Of Sugar and Snow" with the recipes in her earlier book, Ice Cream: The Ultimate Cold Comfort. Yes, there is delight be found in low fat ices, but Quinzio, Queen of Butterfat, makes the creamiest, richly satisfying ice creams--just like her books. Having been part of her "research" (tasting) team, my recommending her books is truly word of mouth.

"Of Sugar and Snow: A History of Ice Cream Making" by Jeri Quinzio is a sweet treat for ice cream lovers and for lovers of history. Quinzio combed primary sources to expose many myths about the origins of ice cream, including the oft repeated "fact" that Marco Polo brought it back from China. The truth is more interesting and more entertaining. Quinzio is a fine storyteller with an eye and ear for the telling detail. Her anecdotes inform history with charming insights.

"Of Sugar and Snow: A History of Ice Cream Making" is a perfect choice for any food lover or ice cream afficionado. Quinzio's writing is clear, entertaining and crisp. She holds your attention as she tells the story of ice cream from its early preparation in kitchens of the wealthy to the big manufacturing business it is today. It's fun to read before you head to the freezer.

Took a while to read it as it was so rich in content that I had to savor each chapter for a bit and then go back for more. Great for genealogy and history as I found out about something about my grandmother's mention of the 'hokey pokey man'! well written and a delight to read. After 5 renewals at the library, I am buying a copy for my book shelf.