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December 11 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Step into the sparkle of The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook. The author, Becky L. Diamond, will read selections that bring the era to life, explain what a “sugar plum” really is (spoiler: not a sugar-dusted plum), and trace how European holiday traditions from Germany, England, and Scandinavia shaped America’s festive sweets. She’ll explore the social and cultural context of these confections—who made them, how they figured in holiday rituals, and why many fell out of favor as America moved into the twentieth century—while illustrated slides and period lore illuminate the book’s most charming oddities and discoveries.
This event will be perfect for history buffs, bakers, gift-hunters, and anyone who enjoys a decadent holiday twist!
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About the Author:
Becky Libourel Diamond is a food writer, librarian, and research historian. Her most recent book, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, blends Gilded Age details and celebrity stories with historic holiday menus and recipes updated for modern kitchens. She is also the author of The Gilded Age Cookbook, The Thousand Dollar Dinner and Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s First Cooking School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Rider University and a master’s of library service degree from Rutgers University. She has worked as a business librarian at Rutgers–New Brunswick since 2020. Her current project is a history of Philadelphia’s famous City Tavern restaurant. She lives in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
About the Moderator:
Jason Scappaticci earned his BA in History from Utica College of Syracuse University. After returning home to CT, he enrolled in Trinity College and earned his MA in American Studies. Professionally, Jason has worked in higher education since 2003. He began his career at Manchester Community College working with low income and first-generation college students. After 16 years at Manchester Community College Jason was named the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Capital Community College. He is currently the Dean of Students and Faculty at CT State Community College Capital Campus.