Revolutionary War Period Cookery is a 179-page, delightful journey through the historical recipes of America's Revolutionary War era. Mr. Pelton, having ancestors who came over to America from England, has skillfully researched the times and culinary preferences of some of our favorite and most famous founders and patriots. The result is this compilation of interesting recipes.

The book contains a recipe from every signer of the Declaration of Independence, several presidents, and other important people who played a part in the birth of our nation. The opening of the book tells how the cooking of the Revolutionary War period relates to the way we cook today (ingredients that would be substituted, etc.).

Anyone with an interest in cooking, history, or interesting trivia would enjoy this book. Each page focuses on a particular favorite recipe of a historical person or family and includes information about how that person played a part in America's history. There are quotes and other tidbits of information given, and these will cultivate a feeling of patriotism as you read about such figures as George and Martha Washington, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Noah Webster.

Personally, I couldn't put this book down. I found myself reading the names of the recipes out loud and the biographical sketches non-stop to our children. They were just so interesting to read, and we all wanted to know what recipe was each person's favorite! When you are talking about recipes like "Pigeon Soup as Enjoyed by Thomas Jefferson," "Tongue Casserole as Enjoyed by General John Sullivan," and "Raccoon Pot Pie as Enjoyed by Philip Livingston," you can't help but be interested. If those seem a bit much, there are also more appetizing recipes, such as "Wayne Family Stuffed Cabbage," which was the favorite of the famous Anthony Wayne, who resided in our area and founded Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Baked Chicken as Prepared by the Bassett Family" was the favorite of Richard Bassett, who signed the Constitution, served in the Continental army and later became the governor of Delaware.

For a couple of weeks, my eleven-year-old son has been asking me if he can make the "Honey Cake as Enjoyed by John Adams" recipe. I think we are going to make it tomorrow for his grandma's 61st birthday! My fifteen-year-old daughter even sat down and sketched the cover picture of a woman cooking on an old stove.

If you have a love of history or a love of learning, I know you will like this book. It is going to be a favorite in our home for some time to come.

Product review by Jacque Dixon, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January 2009