Category Archives: Uncategorized

Spring, 2023: some tidbits and a cover reveal

I did promise not to bombard your inboxes. Four times a year seems like enough (personally, I’m not fond of weekly updates from anyone). But as I’ve got some news to share, this seemed like a good time. I also just discovered some of you are getting this blog for the first time although youContinue reading “Spring, 2023: some tidbits and a cover reveal”

An Iconic English Bun

The Chelsea bun was one of eighteenth century England’s finest culinary contributions. Buns and wiggs or whigs were common and typically very plain. The exceptions were the hot cross bun and, from early in the eighteenth century, the Chelsea bun. Maybe other bakeries produced similar items, but the Chelsea Bun House may have been theContinue reading “An Iconic English Bun”

Introducing Victoria and Violet

Monday, January 16, 2023 Today I’m hosting Rachel Brimble, author of twenty-nine novels. Her most recent, Victoria and Violet, was released on October 17, 2023. Introducing Victoria & Violet… My latest book, Victoria & Violet, is the first novel in my brand-new Royal Maids series and I am super proud of it because it isContinue reading “Introducing Victoria and Violet”

Making Gingerbread the 18th Century Way

Winter is a good time to make gingerbread. The eighteenth century had two kinds: hard or “card” gingerbread, what we call a cookie (or biscuit in the U.K.), and a cake. I recently made the latter for our local Jane Austen group tea in celebration of Jane’s 247th birthday, using the recipe below. It makesContinue reading “Making Gingerbread the 18th Century Way”

Dining in the 18th Century

As a child, I was fascinated by culinary history. Blame my father: he read Gourmet Magazine, which at the time had interesting articles on the food of bygone days. This eventually led to trying to cook traditional dishes. Some things, however, I will not try. In the eighteenth century, the period in which my booksContinue reading “Dining in the 18th Century”

Halloween in New Mexico

Halloween in New Mexico is a little different. There are the usual Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating, of course, but it’s followed by Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which celebrates loved ones who have died. And “celebrates” is an appropriate word: this is not a morbid or even solemn festival. Tradition callsContinue reading “Halloween in New Mexico”

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click theContinue reading “Introduce Yourself (Example Post)”

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click theContinue reading “Introduce Yourself (Example Post)”