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A Fine Dessert

Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat
May 25, 2015mmcbeth29 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
SUMMARY: This book follows the making of a dessert, blackberry fool, over four centuries--the 1700s, 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s. The reader gets to see the changes in how the ingredients are gathered and prepared, kitchen utensils, clothing, and social behavior. ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created using ink, watercolor and blackberry juice (this last medium I found to be a creative touch). The pictures are beautiful, colorful and nicely detailed. THE GOOD: I am one of those people who far prefers to learn history through stories rather than a textbook. This book fits the bill perfectly. I loved watching the changes in how the blackberry fool was made over the centuries as well as the way the people lived. And of course throughout the entire story, I was quite hungry and wishing for some of the dessert. Thankfully, the author includes a recipe at the end of the book so you can make some of your own. The author spent much time researching the details of history such as how people kept their food cold over time, how long it took to make cream using the different methods, and the different ways people lived. I appreciate that both she and the illustrator wrote about this in the back the book as well as a small discussion about why she included slaves in the book. I enjoyed every aspect of this story and wish history in school was taught more in this manner! I highly recommend reading this with your child and then making some blackberry fool for yourselves. Yum! AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 4-8