












































A letter from the Editors: 
 

 
 
Dear Readers, 
 
 
Once again this issue of Digest reflects the diversity of foodways studies, taking readers across 

centuries, continents and cuisines. The two articles that open the issue examine recipes from WWI to 

the 1960s and from Australia to Canada. In “It’s the Cake Talking: Theorizing the Recipe Memoir,” Tara 

Brabazon creates a recipe memoir of a family favorite, “Chocolate Goo.” Brabazon argues that “the 

recipe memoir offers a window into an array of intricate social, cultural, gendered, classed, rural, 

regional and national histories.” It an approach echoed by Brittany Roberts in her examination of a 

short series of menus published in a St John’s, Newfoundland newspaper during WWI. Directed at 

middle class home-makers, the recipes reflect a particular ideal of patriotism that is both gendered 

and class-based. 

 

The two research notes that follow raise questions about food’s far reaching cultural impact. 

Intersections of food and health are at the heart of Theresa Vaughan’s research note that explores 

recommendations on diet found in the Trotula, a collection of writings out of twelfth century Salerno 

while Michael Lange reflects on who gets to determine issues of quality and meaning in his research 

note based in present day Vermont, “Foodie Influence on the Culinary Meanings of Maple Syrup.” 

 

The issue concludes with vintage ads, a wonderful recipe for stuffed baked fish, and two reflections on 

sharing personally meaningful recipes—or not—that comprise the Amuse Bouche section. Last but not 

least, four book reviews introduce publications exploring Kentucky, Mexican, and Caribbean foodways, 

as well as food activism. 

 

As Digest enters its fourth year in its new, online format, we continue to bring the depth and breadth 

of foodways scholarship to our readers. We hope you read, learn, and enjoy. 
 
 

 
 
Michael Lange and Diane Tye, editors 
 


