Northern Ladies' Civil War Recipes

Anecdotes and recipes describe the foods prepared by women of the North during the Civil War, whether packaged and sent to specific soldiers, or delivered by relief organizations. 1994 revision of the 1993 first edition. 30 authentic and commemorative recipes; 84 research notes; 12,817 words.

"Northern Ladies' Civil War Recipes" presents an informative narrative, and numerous excerpts from letters written by wives, mothers, and daughters whose men were serving in the military during the American Civil War. Portions of letters from men to the people back home are also included. The topic of these authentic quotations is food.

The Victorian lady had to feed her family of course, and she also often prepared foods to send to her loved one in the army. A care package containing €œStars and Stripes Gingersnaps,€ €œMama's Gems,€ and €œDutch Kisses€ would no doubt have boosted the morale of a Union soldier.

Sometimes ladies did more than send edibles. Mary Ann Bickerdyke traveled with the army, assisting physicians and procuring and preparing food. Accounts of her work and that of other Northern female nurses are offered, as is a hospital recipe for €œSemi-Stewed Mutton & Barley Soup for 100 Men.€

This and other books by Patricia B. Mitchell were first written for museums and their patrons, and are now available as Kindle editions. Each of her books summarizes a food history topic, using quotations and anecdotes from early sources to both entertain and inform. She carefully lists her references to make it easy for others to launch their own research.

Since the 1980's Patricia Mitchell's work is a proven staple of American museum culture. Her readers love to share her ever-present sense of discovery. Her sales are approaching a million copies, and she is widely known by her web identity FoodHistory.com.