nExplore the Surprising and Sometimes Dark Origins of Beloved Holiday Bakesn nSpice up your season by rolling, molding, and kneading your way through some of the worlds most iconic Christmas recipes. Interspersed with tales of sailors, saints, tomb raiders, and artisans, The Secret History of Christmas Baking proves that even the humblest holiday treat has a global backstory.n nDid you know that the ancient Egyptians had their own version of gingerbread or that marzipan was once considered a pharmaceutical? Linda Raedisch dispels some long-standing culinary myths and delves into the darker chapters of the Wests centuries-long romance?with sugar and spices. In addition to more than forty recipes for modern bakers, youll find illustrated instructions for dressing up your cakes and cookie plates with paper stars, angels, and witches. From Linzer tartlets to Christstollen, you can turn your kitchen into an Old World Christmas market stall.n