Cooking from Early American Recipes

Lauren Anderson loves cooking. She studied culinary arts for two years after high school -- but long before that, she figured out a cooking example for each history project she tackled. One of her favorites: early American "Johnny Cakes." Her workshops gathered so many teens signing up for them that we actually split one of the groups -- so that I (Beth) offered a workshop specifically on baking through the American centuries (sourdough, yeast breads, baking soda [cornbread], baking powder [biscuits], and how to substitute for common early ingredients that aren't as common now, like sour milk). By the way, it wasn't only teens -- Lauren and I both noticed quite a few teachers and assistants slipping into our workshops! Guess they were all hungry ... or willing to taste test!

Interested in a chart of conversions for measurements like "gills" and "pecks"? Leave a comment here with your e-mail, and I'll send you the one we handed out. Recipes also available on request.