Ever wondered what those sugar plums in A Visit from St. Nicholas (aka “The Night Before Christmas”) actually taste like? Spoiler alert: They’re not plums at all. These jewel-like Victorian confections, along with dozens of other forgotten holiday treasures, have been meticulously revived in The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era by food writer and historian Becky Libourel Diamond.
With HBO’s The Gilded Age captivating audiences, our collective fascination with this opulent era has never been stronger. Diamond’s beautifully researched collection allows us to experience it through the most delicious lens possible: Dessert.
Going beyond simple nostalgia, each recipe — including cakes, cookies, custards, ice creams and more — has been lovingly adapted from 19th-century sources for the modern kitchen. Diamond pairs every confection with historical context and charming lore, transforming your baking session into a journey through time. Brown sugar cookies that once graced Fifth Avenue parlors? Now they can grace yours.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a nervous novice, these recipes welcome you into a world where holiday entertaining was an art form. The book also embraces the season's diversity, featuring treats from Chanukah and New Year's celebrations alongside Christmas favorites.
With vibrant photography throughout (including images of vintage holiday cards and antiques) and a foreword by Chef Walter Staib, host and executive producer of the Emmy-winning series A Taste of History, the book is the perfect gift for anyone who believes the holidays should sparkle a little brighter. After all, if we’re going to borrow from the Gilded Age, why not borrow its most delicious traditions?