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Thanksgiving is a national holiday that ties us back nearly 400 years to a time when the Wampanoag Indians were vital in helping the Pilgrims survive their new world. This year along with your harvest feast, go ahead and have a slice of history too! Here are four non-fiction books that give interesting perspectives about our national holiday, dispelling some of the more romantic myths and introducing some fascinating facts…

Category: Books, Cheli Mennella, Reading Lists Tags: Book Review, Culinary History, first thanksgiving feast, Food History, History of Thanksgiving, illustration, Iroquois Thanksgiving Address, Literature, Mohawk Language, Native American, Picture Books, Pilgrims, Plimoth Plantation, Reading List, Sarah Hale, Thanksgiving, Wampanoag Indians

Culinary & Family History Through the Apple Pie

What family recipes do you still make that have been passed down generation after generation? Can you recall and share the history of their origin with family and friends?

Category: Food, Hilltown Families, Supplement Tags: Apples, culinary arts, Food Culture, Food History, Learning Ahead Seasons Sept Oct, Learning Ahead Week 3

Culinary & Cultural Education via Local Resources & Events

Nutritional Anthropology and Culinary Education Every culture has its own set of values, rituals, and traditions surrounding food. The staple ingredients, indulgences, and forbidden fruits of a given culture are influenced by agricultural systems, habitat, ethical concepts, and religious beliefs. Holidays and celebrations around the world are associated with traditional and ritual foods. Have you ever wondered why birthday cakes are round? Or why latkes are fried during Hanukkah and Buche de… Read More

Category: Hilltown Families Tags: Community Based Education, culinary arts, Culture, Food, Food Culture, Food History, History, nutritional anthropology, Pioneer Valley

Local History Through the Lens of Food: Nutritional Anthropology in the Pioneer Valley

Food is a delectable lens through which to explore local history and culture: not only is it delicious, but it’s something that is a part of everyone’s life, no matter age or socioeconomic status. Eating is a universal human experience, and the what and why of this experience speaks volumes to the context in which we live our lives.

Covering the contents of local plates over the last 250 years, Historic Northampton’s “Table Talk” spotlights the changes that the city’s food-centric downtown has seen. Speaking to food and many other topics, the exhibit offers a unique opportunity for community-based learning.

Category: Cultural Events, Food, Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, History, Suggested Activity Tags: Community Based Education, culinary arts, Culture, Food, Food Culture, Food History, History, nutritional anthropology, Pioneer Valley

Family Apple Pie Recipe from Iconic Red Lion Inn

“…this Apple Pie has a crisp, buttery crust and delicious filling…” This is what awaits you if you follow the amazing recipe from Red Lion Inn Executive Chef, Brian Alberg for the holidays. Perfect time of year to roll this one out for the whole family, making a special occasion happen in your very own kitchen!

Category: Berkshire County, Food, Hilltown Families, Recipes Tags: american tradition, apple pie, Baking, family dessert, Family Recipe, Food, Food History, recipe, The Red Lion Inn

The Popover: Featured Holiday Recipe from The Red Lion Inn

Brian Alberg, Executive Chef at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, shares his recipe for Rosemary Popovers, a pastry that is rich in history and delicious at any meal. Read about the history of the popover, and it’s predecessor, Yorkshire pudding, and print out Brian’s recipe to cook up for your family dinner tonight!

Category: Berkshire County, Food, Recipes Tags: Baking, Cooking, Food, Food History, popover, recipe, The Red Lion Inn, Yorkshire pudding

Historical Culinary Incidents: Food History of the Pioneer Valley

There are many different entry points for thematically investigating history: fashion, architecture, industry, literature, and even food! This autumn, the Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke will host a lecture series that examines local history through the role of food in the Pioneer Valley…

Category: Community Based Education, Hampden County, Western MA Events, Western Massachusetts Events Tags: Community Based Education, culinary arts, Food Culture, Food History, History, History of Thanksgiving, Nutritional Anthrology, Pioneer Valley

New England History and Chocolate are Celebrated at the Historic Deerfield Museum in February

Bring the Family to the Historic Deerfield Museum 7th Annual American Heritage Chocolate Celebration February 13th, 2010 Looking to satisfy both the history buff and the sweet tooth in you? There is no better way than to enjoy a fun-filled day with sweet chocolate aromas, captivating lectures, and most important-chocolate treats! The seventh annual American Heritage Chocolate Celebration at Historic Deerfield on February 13, 2010, is an exploration of everything chocolate including… Read More