Davis Foodways Originating Patisserie Honeybee Advertisements

During the Civil War, women played a crucial role in maintaining their households and providing comfort to their loved ones in the midst of hardship. One of the ways they did this was through the preparation of holiday food. These recipes were often passed down through generations and were cherished for their ability to bring a sense of warmth and happiness to those who enjoyed them.

Hearth and Hardship: Women in the Civil War: Holiday Food Civil War

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of butter
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of allspice
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1 cup of currants
• 1 cup of chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Cream the sugar and butter together in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
5. Fold in the raisins, currants, and chopped nuts.
6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

This rich and flavorful cake was a favorite during the Civil War and continues to be enjoyed today. Its combination of spices, fruits, and nuts creates a delicious and festive holiday treat.

Jefferson Davis Pie – Honeybee’s Patisserie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of molasses
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of allspice
• 1 cup of butter
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1 cup of chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, molasses, and buttermilk.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
5. Add the melted butter, raisins, and chopped nuts to the batter, stirring until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into a greased pie dish.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the pie to cool before serving.

This unique pie was named after Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Its rich and spicy flavors make it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Jam Cake Recipe - A Civil War Era Dessert Favorite • New Life On A

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 ½ cups of sugar
• 1 cup of butter
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of allspice
• 1 teaspoon of cloves
• 1 cup of blackberry or raspberry jam
• 1 cup of chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
4. Stir in the jam and chopped nuts.
5. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

This delightful cake showcases the flavors of blackberry or raspberry jam, complemented by the warmth of spices and the richness of nuts. It is a Civil War era favorite that will surely become a favorite in your own home.

These are just a few examples of the delicious and nostalgic recipes that have been passed down through generations from the Civil War era. The women of that time understood the power of food to bring comfort and joy, even in the face of hardship. Whether it was a holiday cake, a pie named after a prominent figure from history, or a dessert featuring the flavors of jam and spices, these recipes continue to remind us of the resilience and strength of those who came before us.

So take a step back in time and enjoy the taste of history with these Civil War era desserts. They are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a way of honoring the women who lovingly prepared them during a challenging period in our nation’s history.