A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat
By Emily Jenkins
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Schwartz & Wade
This elegantly illustrated picture book highlights a famous English dessert, “Blackberry Fool,” and how it has remained a popular dessert through the centuries even though the methods of obtaining the ingredients have changed. It begins in 1710 England where a mother and daughter pick fresh blackberries from the field, beat fresh cream from the cow, strain seeds from the blackberries and mix the berry juice and cream with a bit of sugar to then be chilled in a hillside with winter ice. After a family supper, the dessert is served and enjoyed by all.
One century later, in South Carolina, one family prepares the same dessert, only the cream is delivered by a horse-drawn carriage and chilled in an ice box in the basement. Another century later, in 1910, a mother and daughter purchase fresh blackberries from a street market in Boston, Massachusetts and receive pasteurized cream from the milkman on their front step; after chilling in the kitchen ice box, the dessert is enjoyed following a lovely Sunday dinner.
Finally, in modern-day 2010, a father and son purchase blackberries and organic cream from the supermarket, prepare the dessert and store it in their refrigerator, later enjoying it with friends at a dinner party. This book expertly highlights for children the warmth and comfort of preparing their own food and enjoying a meal surrounded by family and friends. It also fosters discussion about changes in the food system and how the freshness of cream from a cow, for example, is different than organic pasteurized cream from the store. The book finishes with a recipe for Blackberry Fool as well as some history behind the dessert and the time periods when it was made. A lovely read to be enjoyed by the whole family, especially if the dessert is made!
🖨️ Print post
Leave a Reply