Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era

by Becky Libourel Diamond

Although most Americans have heard of sugar plums thanks to the famous holiday poem A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, many have likely never have had the pleasure of tasting one of these luxuries, or even know what they really are ( they are not sugar-dusted plums). This is because sugar plums are one of the Gilded Age era holiday sweets that got eclipsed as America moved into the twentieth century. But The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook will bridge the past and present, bringing back sugar plums and other confections not typically found in modern cookbooks, while revisiting some beloved favorites.

With origins that date back to the nineteenth century and even earlier, the recipes in The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook have been adapted for today’s ingredients and appliances, allowing cooks to recreate them in their own modern kitchens. Each recipe will provide a colorful glimpse into the era, featuring the fascinating history behind each cookie, its ingredients and baking methods. There will also be sidebars throughout, offering tidbits of Christmas lore of the era.

A perfect gift to bring sparkle to the holiday season for anyone who enjoys food, history, culture and Christmas traditions, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is a unique way to revitalize any baker’s holiday repertoire while looking to past foodways for inspiration. With all the opulence and enchanting allure of the Victorian period, this nostalgic book is chock-full of delicious holiday treats.

 

Genres: Cookbooks, Christmas, Nonfiction

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2025

About the author

A food writer, librarian and historian, Becky Libourel Diamond has had a varied career combining writing and research. Her latest book, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America’s Golden Era, launched in September 2025. Each recipe provides a colorful glimpse into the Gilded Age, featuring the history behind each treat, its ingredients and baking methods. Her third book, The Gilded Age Cookbook, was published by Globe Pequot in August 2023. Previously she wrote The Thousand Dollar Dinner, which tells the unique story of a nineteenth century “Top Chef”-style competition between Philadelphia restauranteur James Parkinson and the Delmonico family of New York. She is also the author of Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s Cooking School, a successful nineteenth century pastry chef who also ran an innovative cooking school for young woman – a Philadelphia first. She is currently working on a history of the City Tavern restaurant, to be published by Westholme in the summer of 2026.

Reviews

[Mary-Lisa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook” offers a captivating look at the Gilded Age, featuring Christmas desserts and treats.

I simply fell in love with this book as it provided detailed (and interesting) background information of the Gilded Era at Christmas as well as tempting recipes, giving this book a magical feel that captured the essence of an old-fashioned Christmas. I am pleased to report I came across some delightful recipes for brown sugar cookies and jelly donuts! Yummy!

This is a perfect read for lovers of the Gilded Age and the magic of Christmas.

5/5

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, by Becky Libourel Diamond, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Everything looked so good in this cookbook, cookies, and cakes and pies. I really loved the pictures in this book, and the informative pages about Christmas and Hanukkah during the Gilded Age.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A terrific idea that needs more photos and illustrations to bring this Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook to full life. I would have loved a photo for each included recipe.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous cookbook about a niche subject, I felt right at home reading it. The loads of information that paint the world of the Gilded Age at Christmas time was truly fascinating. I loved the different facts about things like the origin of Christmas cards, the space Black folks carved in society during an age when they were quite often overlooked, and the section about Hanukkah. It felt inclusive and authentic.

The recipes weren’t the main focal point of the book, I think maybe because it suffers a bit from my usual complaint with many cookbooks: a slight lack of photos of the food. It’s easy to pay less attention to the recipes when there aren’t substantive photos of the way it’s all supposed to look. However, the photos that are in there are charming—big Christmas trees, lovely dishes, scans of old ads and cards.

Thank you Becky Libourel Diamond, Globe Pequot, and Net Galley for this jolly read!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This was one of the best Christmas cookbooks I have ever seen. Usually, there are only a few recipes that I would even possibly consider using, but in this one, there were so many recipes that look good (just too bad I don't have a personal chef to bake the food for me).

I loved all of the information included about the Gilded Age. I don't usually like all the text in between the recipes, as I just mainly care about the recipes. However, this text had feel of an extremely interesting non-fiction book, not just filler.

Some of the recipes I am planning on trying are the soft molasses cookies (one of my favorite cookies), brown sugar cookies, coffee cookies (described as "molasses cookies with a kick") and macaroons.

The only thing I can say against the book is there weren't enough pictures of the actual food in it. There were beautiful photographs, though.

Would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a Christmas cookbook.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook.

The best part of this cookbook, for me, were the historical facts and anecdotes about how and where Christmas rituals and customs originated.

The history of the Gilded Age-oriented sweets and treats was fascinating, though I'm not a fan of of the flavors.

Also, most of the recipes were for many servings, owing to the fact that in those days, people received many guests and carolers during the season and cookies were offered as part of hostessing and hospitality duties.

The worst part of this cookbook, very few photos of the treats and recipes being discussed.

This read more like a brief history on Gilded Age Christmas traditions and customs with some recipes sprinkled in.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting! Loved the tidbits included.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The author relies heavily on one source and the recipes are, basically, dull. Shortbread? Really?

[EJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

GORGEOUS. Simply gorgeous, and evoking the lavishness of The Gilded Age, this cookbook is only part cookbook and part history lesson(s). As someone who loves both cookbooks *and* history *and* the spirit of the Christmas season, this title is an easy 5-Stars for me.

From the start, and the acknowledgement of the German influence on era baked goods and the immigrant influences on traditions that were becoming more commonplace and carrying into today's times, I was hooked. I really appreciate the historical research and explanations of Christmas (and toward the end of the book, those of Hanukkah) of the age and learning about things I didn't realize "existed" that far back, such as iced sugar cookies (I don't know, I just think of these as more mid-1900s cookies?). The history of sugars, of food colorings for icings/foods, the evolution of depictions of Santa by Harper's Weekly's Thomas Nast (as well as his influence on U.S. political party mascots--the side quests in this book are fantastic as well!), the history of animal crackers, origin of Currier & Ives, the rise of Christmas dishware, Black society and social clubs of the age, Bon Bon lore, bra pies and "stir-up Sundays", mustache cups...so many fun things to learn about!

Recipes I'm excited to try this season: sand tars, lemon gingerbread, fudgy chocolate cake, bakewell pudding, lemon drops, chocolate wine, and New Year's cookies. Things I don't need to try but loved the nostalgia turning the page to the recipe evoked was lovely: popcorn balls. What I learned are actually sugar plums: a probable skip. Macy's Chicago, you lied to me with your gelatinous plum-y flavored candy years ago!

Releasing on August 5th, I'll be buying a copy for myself and a couple gift copies as well.

My thanks to NetGalley and Globe Pequot for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook by Becky Libourel Diamond

Rating: 5 Stars

I have to say, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook totally won me over from the moment I saw its gorgeous cover. It’s one of those cookbooks that’s as much about diving into a fascinating slice of history as it is about baking delicious treats, and I honestly couldn’t put it down.

This book takes you on a charming journey back to the late 1800s, a time when holiday sweets like sugar plums were all the rage — though I’ll admit, I had no idea what a sugar plum really was before reading this! (Spoiler: it’s not just a plum dusted with sugar.) These treats were once luxuries of the Gilded Age Christmas season but pretty much vanished as we stepped into the 20th century. Becky Libourel Diamond does an amazing job of bringing these lost confections back to life, blending old-fashioned recipes with modern twists so you can actually make them in your kitchen today.

What I loved most was how each recipe came with the backstory—little snippets about the origins, the meaning behind the names, and how these goodies fit into the holiday traditions of the era. The book is sprinkled with interesting historical tidbits and colorful illustrations that add so much character. It’s like part cookbook, part history lesson, and all-around festive fun.

If you’re into Christmas traditions, food history, or just want to try something a bit different this holiday season, this cookbook is a gem. It’s packed with rich stories and recipes that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Honestly, it sparked my curiosity about the past while filling my kitchen with sweet smells and joy. Highly recommend!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Whitney Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is something undeniably magical about Christmas: the festive spirit, the glittering decorations, the warmth of family gatherings, and of course, the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the kitchen..."

As a Christmas time lover and the baker of my family, that quote really hits me in the feels. I'm betting when most people get a cookbook, they don't really read much of the writing in them other than the recipes themselves. At least that's what most of the people I know do. However, I would encourage you to read both the foreward and introduction of this cookbook. I really enjoyed the snippet of personal and historical information about how some of these recipes came to be, what they stood for and the mark they made on tradition. This cookbook was filled with so much wonderful information about the history of recipes (down to the breakdown of the meaning of the name of the items), and the recipes themselves are amazing. I love that they included the old school natural alternatives to colorants within this cookbook as well. I decided that I needed a little Christmas in July and have already begun testing a couple of the recipes because I just couldn't wait. Let's just say that this cookbook would be a great investment in your culinary repertoire for the holiday season. Thank you so much to Globe Pequot Publishing Company and NetGalley for the amazing opportunity to read and review this cookbook. My opinions are my own and my final one is that this is a great cookbook for anyone, including beginners that are looking to start their baking journey. They break down everything and have tons of tips to help your recipes turn out perfect.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook by Becky Libourel Diamond is enticing, engrossing and mouthwatering. Diamond describes her culinary passion which started early when living in Germany where baking is delicious and culturally important. There's something nostalgic and magical about the Gilded Age. Add Christmas and sweets and voila...perfection! Baking was a status symbol, a time to show off skills, tradition and cultural influence. Also highlighted in this scrumptious book are pieces of history and evolving identity in ways other than food such as decorating, bran pie (akin to modern day gag gifts), baking tips, recipes, and Christmas cards.

Amongst other things, I learned about Belsnickeling, animal cookie cutters, how the North Pole was chosen for Santa's home, granulated sugar creation, colorants (arsenic, lead, zinc, marigold), origin of chocolate cake, mincemeat, a flaming bowl game, and gems (little cakes). Then there are recipes such as coffee cookies, sugar cookies with rosewater (can't wait to do this), meringued apples (I make meringue often), and ginger ice cream. I will also flavour and colour baking with cherry or cranberry juice as recommended. There's so much here to love.

What fun this warm and cozy book was! It appealed to my sense of wonder and curiosity, especially as a rabid Gilded Age reader. My only criticism is that there weren't more photographs, especially of the recipes. When baking, I can easily envision the final product but photographs of anything Gilded Age related add a special touch. The illustrations are greatly appreciated. I foresee a multi-generational Gilded Age family Christmas this year!

[bookcookery]

With holiday music playing, I cracked open The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America’s Golden Era and tried out several recipes: Ingwer Gebäck, Brown Sugar Cookies, Raisin Penuche, Hot Chocolate, and Jelly Doughnuts. I made a few plant-based swaps: agave syrup for honey, vegan butter for butter, ground flaxseed for eggs, and soy milk in place of dairy. Even in the middle of summer, it really put me in the holiday spirit.

As expected with most fried treats, the Jelly Doughnuts were delicious, and the Brown Sugar Cookies had a lovely gingery flavor. The Ingwer Gebäck, on the other hand, had a cakey, Play-Doh-like texture, fun to handle and great for small hands, but not especially tasty. The Raisin Penuche was heavy and overly sweet, and the Hot Chocolate, while good, was similar to other versions I’ve tried.

But the real value of a cookbook like this lies less in culinary excellence and more in the atmosphere it creates, and in that, it succeeds. Diamond offers helpful context throughout, with explanations of ingredients and lesser-known dishes, as well as brief explorations of related traditions like poems, cards, and games. However, some of the selected facts and stories can seem a bit eclectic, and, like many historical cookbooks, the overall recipe selection is limited.

One final note for ebook readers: unfortunately, as with many cookbooks, the Kindle formatting is poor and detracts from the overall reading experience.

Thanks to Globe Pequot and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OBSESSED is an understatement.

As someone who spent her childhood dreaming of being Laura Ingalls’ best friend, collecting eggs and churning butter (until I realized how physically demanding that actually is), this book speaks to me. Was life on the prairie gilded? Absolutely not. It was arguably the opposite. But where Laura’s life was simple and practical, the Gilded Age was indulgent and extravagant. This book is the Samantha of American Girl Dolls, and I mean that as the highest compliment.

I've always been fascinated by the past, and what better way to time travel than through food? Sugar is so commonplace today that it’s easy to forget it was once a coveted luxury, like salt, available only to the fabulously wealthy. This book reminds us of that, showcasing recipes that are as decadent as the era they represent.

Are these simple recipes? No. These are not your everyday, grab-from-the-pantry kinds of dishes. These are carefully curated, historically rooted recipes that tell a story. Whether you recreate any of them or simply savor the rich history behind them, this book is a gift to both history buffs and food lovers alike.

Just be warned: you will want to spend your next Christmas holiday at The Breakers or Biltmore, so prepare accordingly.

Thank you to NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and Becky Libourel Diamond for the privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully put together Christmas recipe book that combines some of my favourite holiday treats with interesting Gilded Age history. A couple of my favourite sections are before we even get to the recipes. There's a great anecdote about Mark Twain and his family during the holidays and then some great tips on handling egg whites (something I ALWAYS struggle with). Each recipe also comes with its own little history.

As an Pennsylvanian living in Scotland, I was excited to see my favourite baked goods from both sides in this book - my all time favourite cookie recipe, molasses cookies, and a new favourite, mince pies! I have many wonderful memories or being a small child and baking molasses cookies with my Nana every year. The recipe in this is very similar but we always roll ours in cinnamon sugar before baking 😊 I haven't yet tried making my own mince pies so I'll give this recipe a try this Christmas!

3.5/5 ⭐️ Where this has lost stars... One of my pet peeves with recipe books though is when not every recipe has an image of what the baked good should look like and this is the case with The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook. I am very visual when it comes to baking/cooking. I need to have an idea of what the outcome should look like. Considering it's discussing historical recipes, I would have liked to have seen each recipe have an image of what the baked good should have looked like during the Gilded Age.

[Julie Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos paint such a glorious picture of the holiday season during the Gilded Age. What I enjoyed the most were all the details in between. While most people I know who get a cookbook don't really read much of the writing in them other than the recipes themselves, I would embolden readers not to skip the foreword, introduction, or bits of content in between recipes. They share such details of the day-to-day culture from that period. Those details shed light on the standard of quality they championed and the impact they made on tradition. For example, the origin of Christmas cards. I quite enjoyed the pieces of specific historical material about some of the recipes; the who, what, when, where, why, and how these recipes were created.
This is a great cookbook for any baker in your life, even beginning bakers who have basic knowledge and are looking to develop their baking journey as the book breaks things down fairly well and include helpful tips. I think an absolute novice baker may find a couple of the recipes a bit on the intermediate skill level (ie: plum pudding). Some recipes included the natural ingredients used as colorants during that time before commercial alternatives were developed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Becky Libourel Diamond, and Globe Pequot Publishing Company for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. #TheGildedAgeChristmasCookbook

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook; is a true holiday treasure a delightful blend of culinary history, nostalgia, and practical baking inspiration.

Many of us recognize the phrase sugar plums from A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, yet few know what they actually were or that they weren’t sugar dusted plums at all. This cookbook beautifully revives those forgotten confections and other Gilded Age holiday treats that have quietly faded from modern kitchens.

What makes this book especially charming is its balance between authenticity and accessibility. The historic recipes some dating back to the nineteenth century and earlier are thoughtfully adapted for today’s ingredients and appliances, making it entirely possible to recreate Victorian era magic at home. Each recipe is enriched with fascinating historical context, offering not just instructions but a story behind every cookie and confection.

The added sidebars filled with Christmas lore make the reading experience just as enjoyable as the baking itself. It feels less like a cookbook and more like stepping into a candlelit parlor during a Victorian holiday celebration.

For anyone who loves food history, cultural traditions, or simply wants to bring something unique and enchanting to the holiday table, this book is a gem. It’s festive, informative, and irresistibly nostalgic a sparkling addition to any Christmas baking collection.

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is an absolute gem, part culinary journey, part historical treasure, and entirely heartwarming. From the very first page, I felt like I had stepped into a different era, filled with the elegance, charm, and festive spirit of Christmastime in the Gilded Age.

This book is so much more than just recipes, though the recipes are truly fantastic. It’s filled with beautiful storytelling, rich historical context, and stunning illustrations that bring the past to life in the most enchanting way. I loved learning about the traditions, customs, and menus of the time. You can feel the care and research that went into every page.

The recipes themselves are both nostalgic and approachable, with many that can easily be recreated in a modern kitchen. Whether you're looking to bring a little vintage flair to your holiday table or simply enjoy the magic of the season through food and history, this book delivers on all fronts.

It’s the kind of cookbook you’ll reach for every December, and display proudly on your coffee table in between. A must-have for history lovers, foodies, and anyone who believes the holidays are a little more special when you stir in some old-fashioned charm.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Anette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook knocked my socks off! It is everything I want from this genre and it is evident that the author had spent a lot of time researching the topic.

The book is divided into 5 chapters, covering Cookies, Cakes, Pies Puddings and Custards, Candies and Other Confections, Hannukah, and New Year's Desserts.

The recipes are fun, interesting and nostalgic. Each one is adapted to modern cooks and kitchens and each one is preceded by a short description of its origin and notes on specific ingredients.

In between the recipes are interesting tidbits about Christmas during this period, historical connections, socioeconomic traditions, cultural heritages, specific ingrediences and many fun facts and baking tips besides.

The layout of the book is elegant and inviting. The photos, a mix of Gilded Age Christmas postcards and art, and staged Christmas tableaus in a beautiful house, are simply gorgeous.

As a Norwegian I found it especially interesting to learn about Christmas traditions in the US evolving the way they did between 1868 and 1900.

This is a fantastic Christmas cookbook that I highly encourage you to get, it will most certainly enrich your holiday baking experience.

Thank you to Globe Pequot and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[cshellz · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you know me personally then you will know I am a huge Christmas girly. Sometimes I put the tree up before it’s even Thanksgiving and don’t take it down till January. Many of my favorite memories revolve around Christmas. Thanksgivings gathered at grandma’s dining room table looking at and circling everything we want from the toys r us and target catalogs so we know what to ask Santa for. Getting to go out shopping and everything being decked out in ornaments and lights. The smells of cinnamon and peppermint everywhere and the smell of crisp cold air as it starts to snow. Like I said I’m a Christmas/Winter girl thru and thru.
This was nostalgic and wholesome. Nostalgic to me personally because some recipes and traditions were very reminiscent of ones in my family. Coming from a family with German/Irish background a lot of it hit home 🎄❄️🎅🏻🍪🇩🇪❤️
I will say although it was cozy and unique I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it 🥹as much as I wanna recommend it I just can’t. just felt random and all over the place. It reads more like a research paper or textbook. Maybe it’s because there aren’t as many pictures and examples of the gilded holiday items and traditions and no pictures to accompany the recipes. It was a unique cookbook and idea just did not enjoy it personally.

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is a delightful fusion of culinary history, cultural storytelling, and holiday indulgence. Becky Libourel Diamond resurrects forgotten confections of America’s Gilded Age most memorably the elusive sugar plum and presents them in a way that feels both historically rich and wonderfully accessible to modern bakers.

What sets this cookbook apart is that it is not merely a collection of recipes, but a time capsule. Each cookie and treat is accompanied by engaging historical context, illuminating how nineteenth entury Americans celebrated Christmas through food, luxury, and ritual. The adaptations for contemporary kitchens are thoughtfully done, allowing readers to experience the flavors of the past without sacrificing practicality.

Lavish without being intimidating, nostalgic without feeling dated, Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is as enjoyable to read as it is to bake from. It is a perfect holiday gift and an inspired contribution to the growing appreciation of historic foodways, seasonal traditions, and the stories we preserve through what we bake and share.

[Aftan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cozy cookbook with recipes and information that has me ready for cooler weather and the holidays. I do use the term cookbook lightly, as this is not a traditional cookbook by any means. It instead presents recipes alongside tons of information on what the holidays would have looked like during the Gilded Age. The lack of photos to accompany the recipes also lends to this reading more like a text with some cooking instead of an actual cookbook.

I appreciated the inclusive facts that were provided, such as the origin of Christmas cards, Hanukkah traditions, and even how people of color fit into society and celebration during this time.

The biggest complaint I have is that there absolutely needs to be more pictures alongside the recipe! How am I supposed to flip through the cookbook and get inspired, or even know what the end result of the recipe should be? More photos, please!

As for one of the recipes, I tried and will keep in my regular rotation? The soft Molasses Cookies are to die for!

[Erica Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful dive into Christmases past, filled with fascinating historical facts and a treasure trove of traditional recipes from the Gilded Age. It was wonderful to see familiar favorites, like Gingerbread Men, alongside recipes I've only ever heard about, like the elusive Sugar Plum—culturally ubiquitous, but has anyone actually tried one?

I especially appreciate the simplicity of the recipes. During the hectic holiday season, straightforward and accessible is exactly what a home baker needs, and this book delivers.

My only wish is for more food photography. While the book contains lovely vintage illustrations and photos of swanky Christmas décor scenes, there are limited photos of the finished dishes. For visual bakers like myself, who want to see a picture before reading the recipe, this felt like a missed opportunity.

Despite this, for anyone wanting to create an authentic, vintage Christmas dessert spread, this book is a fantastic and indispensable resource.

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook Cookies and Treats from America’s Golden Era
Becky Libourel Diamond
When I think of Christmas past I imagine mantals covered in pine and cedar with matching wreaths hung on the doors, candles in the windows, a tree with red bows and a festive atmosphere. I love to cook and of course I imagine cookies and candy treats to tempt the taste buds and hot apple cider with spices. I love Christmas, I love every aspect of the holiday except undecorating afterwards.
The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook Cookies and Treats from America’s Golden Age is the perfect book for Christmas. It makes a great present for your family, friends and yourself. This book has yummy recipes for cake, pie and cookies. The pictures make the recipes come to life. There is information about the tradition of Christmas and Hanukkah during the Gilded Age.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARc.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is absolutely stunning with some beautiful detailing and the colours compliment each other so well it adds to the decadent feel of the Gilded Age theme. The foreword and intro provide enough detail without being too long and the little Gilded Age facts scattered throughout add to it in a cool and not too text dense way. I like that New Years Eve and Hanukkah were thought of too with them both being important holidays in the ‘Christmas’ season too. The recipes are easy to follow and the photos are really appealing and make me think of trying a few recipes I wouldn’t have without the images of them. The recipe index is also really helpful making it easier to find a recipe I’m looking for without having to flip back through hunting for one.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully put together read filled with lovely photos and tips. You have chapters filled with delightful desserts such as cookies, cakes, pies and puddings, candies and other confections. Each chapter has great stories that mention a variety of Christmas related subjects. You can read about cards, postcards, wrapping paper, dish ware, trees, Yule logs, shopping, games and so !such more. I always like to try a few items which really gives you a sense of how easy the recipes are and if they taste well. I always make candied pecans every year so I was excited to try something a little different so I made the Spiced Nuts. They turned out well and were delicious, I look forward to making them again this holiday season. I'm big on hot chocolate so I tried it as well and boy was it yummy, I will definitely be making it again when the weather is cooler.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this cookbook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review -

I LOVE the aesthetic of this cookbook - it is so cozy and beautiful and I love the little blurbs of history sprinkled throughout. The helpful tips at the beginning of the cookbook was a great idea. I appreciate the mix of culture, though I wish there was a more substantial Hannukah section. I hope to purchase a physical copy when it is released!

The only change I would make is more pictures of the actual recipes. It did make me a little suspicious that there were so few pictures - I plan to try a recipe soon. I know there are some AI cookbook issues floating around, so I hope that wasn't used in this case.

Perfect gift for the history geek in your family!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is much more than a cookbook. The recipe sections include cookies; cakes; pies, puddings, and custard; candies and other confections; Hanukkah; and New Year’s desserts. It was interesting that a lot of the colorants they used were actually poisonous so modern options are provided. There is a lot of information about the Gilded Age that was very interesting. The pictures that are in the book are beautiful. I would like to have seen more pictures for the recipes, especially when they’re older recipes. It would be nice to know what your finish product should look like.

Thank you to the author, Globe Pequot, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The childhood wonder of Christmas can be easily invoked by the smell of baking cookies or the taste of THAT casserole, the one Grandma always made. My husband was active duty military, we travelled to many installations and met many people of differing cultures, not to mention ages. At the holidays, our group always tried to make the season special for those who were missing home the most. We spent alot of time researching recipes and taste testing the results to get them just right. Becky Libourel Diamond has poured so many of those almost forgotten recipes into this excellent cookbook. It deserves a place of honor in your kitchen. I know several of my friends are receiving it as a gift this holiday season.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s never too early to start looking at Christmas books for new recipes or decorating ideas. This enjoyable book is a great start! The Gilded Age was from 1868 to 1900, a time of opulence and grandeur. While that isn’t exactly the style of today, if you want to decorate your home to perfection, or throw an amazing holiday party you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this book. Recipes range from cookies, cakes, pies, and candies. Interspersed are historical facts and stories of how these special customs came to be enjoyed. There’s also a chapter devoted to Hanukkah and one to Bee Years. The photos are wonderful and the introduction describing how the entire 12 days of Christmas were celebrated will be sure to start your holiday mood.