Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era
Author(s): Becky Libourel Diamond (Author)
Publisher: Globe Pequot Publishing
Publication Date: September 2, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 200 pages
ISBN-10: 1493088424
ISBN-13: 9781493088423
Book Description
Although most Americans have heard of sugar plums thanks to the famous holiday poem A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, many have likely never have had the pleasure of tasting one of these luxuries, or even know what they really are (hint: they are not sugar-dusted plums). This is because sugar plums are one of the Gilded Age era holiday sweets that got eclipsed as America moved into the twentieth century. But The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook will bridge the past and present, bringing back sugar plums and other confections not typically found in modern cookbooks, while revisiting some beloved favorites. With origins that date back to the nineteenth century and even earlier, the recipes in The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook have been adapted for today’s ingredients and appliances, allowing cooks to recreate them in their own modern kitchens. Each recipe will provide a colorful glimpse into the era, featuring the fascinating history behind each cookie, its ingredients and baking methods. There will also be sidebars throughout, offering tidbits of Christmas lore of the era. A perfect gift to bring sparkle to the holiday season for anyone who enjoys food, history, culture and Christmas traditions,The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is a unique way to revitalize any baker’s holiday repertoire while looking to past foodways for inspiration. With all the opulence and enchanting allure of the Gilded Age era, this nostalgic book is chock-full of delicious holiday treats.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“I could not be more excited to have Becky’s Diamond’s new book The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook. Not only does Becky share authentic, easy-to-prepare recipes from the era for our modern kitchens, but she infuses each recipe and all her work with a tremendous sense of the actual history behind the dishes, food styles and trends of the era. With all of Becky’s work, you really can “taste the past”.” – Carl Raymond, host of The Gilded Gentleman history podcast
This cookbook has a set of “sweet treat” recipes that is a delightful mix of cultural history with easy to follow directions. Ms. Diamond highlights the European influence on these cookies and other sweets – especially from Germany, England and Scandanavia. She has included a treasure trove of holiday references – such as explaining exactly what a sugar plum is – brought into our lives by the fairy in the Nutcracker ballet … I can see this cookbook becoming a seasonal staple and having all family members, young and old, participating in making these treats. –
Kathleen Langone, author of The Miniature Painter Revealed – Amalia Kussner’s Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune and host of the People Hidden in History podcast
An invaluable gift for anyone interested in the culinary history of the United States in the 19th century or home cooks hoping to create their own Gilded Age-inspired holiday celebration.” –
John Charles, Library JournalThe Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is Becky L. Diamond’s entertaining guide to late nineteenth-century holidaysweets, decorations, and customs. Studded like a literary plum pudding with recipes, illustrations, and Christmas lore, it shows how to celebrate the season with all the elegance and excess of an American robber baron. A delectable treat for devotees of Victoriana, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is a fun historical cookbook forelevating festive gatherings with tasty treats. ~ Foreword Reviews
Diamond’s cookbook is deeply researched. An extensive bibliography finished the book, an excellent source for a deeper dive into everything Gilded Age. Of course this book would be great fun for anyone who enjoys the eponymously-named show or the Victorian Age, but it would be equally enjoyable for fans of the winter holidays and its traditions.
Christina Mueller, Food, Wine and Travel Writer
“Sugarplums. They’re a thing! Fans of “The Gilded Age” are well aware and will eat up
The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook. It includes treats from the era, some culinary history and a lot of old-time charm.” ~ 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: The AP’s best gift ideas for family and friends
“If you know someone who treasures holiday baking traditions — or someone who simply loves food history —
The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook … beautifully researched cookbook is a standout. … It’s part cookbook, part history book, part holiday magic — and a perfect keepsake for anyone who wants to bring a touch of nostalgia to their baking repertoire.” ~ Healthy Aging
“This gorgeous cookbook sparks nostalgia and holiday cheer while providing fascinating historical facts and holiday lore from 1868 to 1900—America’s Golden Era. With dozens of easy recipes for sweet treats like Holiday Tea Cakes, Victorian Pudding and more, this tome is chock-full of deliciously classic confections!” ~
Woman’s World magazine
“History, tradition, and recipes intertwine throughout Diamond’s work, rendering the Gilded Age accessible rather than impossibly distant. … I much appreciated the care Diamond took in adapting the recipes for contemporary kitchens. I also enjoyed the photos that accompanied each recipe, demonstrating to readers what each finished product should look like.” ~ Stephanie Bernaba Special to
The Independent (RI)“Filled with historic context and fun facts, this beautifully styled and photographed book is as much a cookbook and hosting guide as it is an engaging reference volume. Well-researched recipes are revised for today’s kitchens, with accessible ingredients and modern equipment.” ~ Elyse Major, HeyRhody
From the Author
“The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook bridges the past and present, bringing back sugar plums and other confections not typically found in modern cookbooks, while revisiting some beloved favorites. Whisking readers back in time to this fanciful era, the treats will delight the inner child in everyone.”
About the Author
Becky Libourel Diamond is a food writer, librarian, and research historian. Her most recent book, The Gilded Age Cookbook, blends Gilded Age details and celebrity stories with historic menus and recipes updated for modern kitchens. She is also the author of 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 of Library Service (MLS) degree from Rutgers University. She has worked as a Business Librarian at Rutgers–New Brunswick since 2020. She lives in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Visit her at www.beckyldiamond.com.
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