As Christmastime approaches again, it’s time to focus attention on two more forgotten favorites from the 18th century dessert table: ribband jelly and blancmange. Ribband Jelly Our first dessert is a simple Ribband Jelly that descends from an ancient dessert called white leach.[1] A white leach was a milk jelly flavored with rosewater and colored … Continue reading Making Ribband Jelly & Blancmange
sweets and desserts
33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
It’s the 33rd year of a a long-standing holiday tradition: the Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year’s theme is “Holiday Songs.” Winners Level 1: Age 2-5 First Place Ribbon ~ “Let it Snow” by Samantha Wainwright Level 3: Age 11-14 First Place Ribbon ~ “Melekalikimaka” by Daniel Jackson & … Continue reading 33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
Making Syllabub
The holiday season has arrived at Historic Kenmore, bringing with it our annual display in the house of colonial wintry traditions from greenery to lovely desserts. Two years ago, I explored the mysterious origin of Betty Lewis’s hedgehog cake and even made a pretty passable replica. This year, there is another dessert on our table … Continue reading Making Syllabub
32nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
It’s the 32nd year of a a long-standing holiday tradition: the Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year’s theme is “Cartoon Adventures.” Adults and children alike will enjoy the sights and smells of these festive creations displayed at Ferry Farm! Ferry Farm’s hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 … Continue reading 32nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
Video: 31st Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
In this festive holiday video, we see all the "Historic Sites in Virginia" gingerbread houses entered in this year's contest. To see the list of winners, click here. The exhibit runs until December 30. Click here to learn more about visiting George Washington's boyhood home this holiday season.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas Hedgehog!
During the holidays, it’s the curatorial team’s job to festoon Historic Kenmore in period-appropriate holiday swag to celebrate the Christmas season. Greenery is brought in to cheer up the rooms and a table of special desserts is laid out as if ready for Christmas guests. These sweet treats are a pretty traditional fare but one … Continue reading Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas Hedgehog!
Photos: 30th Annual Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm
It's the 30th year of a a long-standing holiday tradition: the Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at George Washington's Ferry Farm! This year's theme is "Home for the Holidays." Read about Thirty Years of Gingerbread. Adults and children alike will enjoy the sights and smells of the festive creations displayed at Ferry Farm! Ferry Farm's hours … Continue reading Photos: 30th Annual Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm
Sweet-Toothed Colonials & Their Chocolate
Ahhh Chocolate! Now is the time of year when we consume even more than usual, often from heart-shaped boxes gifted by an admirer. Probably one of the most universally loved foods, the average American consumes roughly 11 pounds of the stuff a year! It is hard to imagine a world without chocolate and this love … Continue reading Sweet-Toothed Colonials & Their Chocolate
Lives & Legacies 