Eating the plates : a pilgrim book of food and mannners

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Penner's Pilgrims are heroes, and deservedly so. She takes the story of their crossing on the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony, and fleshes it out with all the distasteful, even disgusting, details of their struggle for survival. Everything that made life difficult in the 1600s is mentioned-the acceptance of insect infestation in one's hair, clothing, bed, and food; the lack of efficient implements for home construction; the danger of crossing the Atlantic on an open vessel; and the deadly aftermath of disease. The author makes it clear that without the Indians' help, these settlers would not have made it through their first year, dependent as they were on European agricultural methods not suited to the New World.

While Penner gives a complete picture of the Pilgrims' daily life, her prime focus is on food-what the people ate; how they raised, prepared, served, and preserved it. Her writing style has a light touch that makes this interesting reading, often with a wry slant. The book concludes with a &'grave;Pilgrim Menu'' for readers to prepare with adult supervision. The illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings and lithographs that show period artifacts and various food items.

Discusses the eating habits, customs, and manners of the Pilgrims in the colony of New Plymouth.

Penner's Pilgrims are heroes, and deservedly so. She takes the story of their crossing on the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony, and fleshes it out with all the distasteful, even disgusting, details of their struggle for survival. Everything that made life difficult in the 1600s is mentioned--the acceptance of insect infestation in one's hair, clothing, bed, and food; the lack of efficient implements for home construction; the danger of crossing the Atlantic on an open vessel; and the deadly aftermath of disease. The author makes it clear that without the Indians' help, these settlers would not have made it through their first year, dependent as they were on European agricultural methods not suited to the New World. While Penner gives a complete picture of the Pilgrims' daily life, her prime focus is on food--what the people ate; how they raised, prepared, served, and preserved it. Her writing style has a light touch that makes this interesting reading, often with a wry slant. The book concludes with a ``Pilgrim Menu'' for readers to prepare with adult supervision. The illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings and lithographs that show period artifacts and various food items. When the pilgrims came to America, there were no stores. Hunting, gathering, growing, and preparing food was a full-time job. Why did the Pilgrims plant fish in their cornfields? What did they learn from the Native Americans? Did they really eat turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving? And did they eat their plates? This fascinating account of what the Pilgrims ate and how they spent their days shows that they were real people, doing their best to make a life-complete with many comforts of home-in a place that seemed strange to them. Included are recipes to make a complete Pilgrim dinner