The Culture of Cordials - Inspired by Elizabeth Ellicott Lea

Explore historic drink-making traditions inspired by one of Maryland’s earliest cookbooks, A Quaker Woman’s Cookbook: The Domestic Cookery of Elizabeth Ellicott Lea (1845). In this presentation and tasting, speakers Claudia Kousoulas and Ellen Letourneau will discuss the culture of cordials in 19th-century American Quaker society and the origins of this early cookbook. Sample a few of Elizabeth Ellicott Lea’s delicious drink recipes and take home a guide on making cordials in your own kitchen.
Claudia Kousoulas and Ellen Letourneau are coauthors of A Culinary History of Montgomery County, Maryland (2022), which tells the story of the county’s agricultural heritage through food and recipes. Claudia is a freelance writer and editor whose topics include architecture, urbanism, food culture and culinary history.  As a member of the Common Grain Alliance and Chesapeake Fibershed, Ellen Letourneau is interested in the revival of grain and fiber economies in the region.
Light food and drink refreshments will be included.
For accommodation requests, please contact the museum via email or at 301-774-0022.
Individual tickets are $25, VIP tables $125. Members 20% off. Not a member? Become a member today!