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The Legacy of Sarah Josepha Hale: Cranberry Tarts and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated across the United States, but few understand its rich history or the pivotal role that one woman played in formalizing this annual celebration. Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential editor and writer, was instrumental in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In this article, we delve into Hale’s legacy through her cranberry tart recipe from 1866, which serves as a culinary homage to her contributions.
Sarah Josepha Hale: Pioneer of Thanksgiving
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Sarah Josepha Hale was far more than the author of the beloved nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb." She was a prominent abolitionist and the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, a woman’s magazine that significantly shaped American domestic culture from 1830 to 1898. Hale used her platform to advocate for Thanksgiving, extolling its virtues as a time for family gathering, gratitude, and shared meals.
Her persistent campaign to promote Thanksgiving culminated in a nationwide celebration, but it was not without its challenges. While the holiday had its roots in local and regional events since before the United States existed, Hale sought to unify the nation during a time of burgeoning divisiveness, particularly around the issue of slavery.
Crafting the Cranberry Apple Tart
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Hale's 1866 cranberry tart recipe encapsulates the spirit of Thanksgiving as she envisioned it. The recipe, found in the pages of Godey’s Lady’s Book, calls for a blend of cranberries and apples, embodying the season's flavors.
Ingredients and Methodology
To prepare this tart, one needs a double pie crust and the following ingredients:
4 large apples (preferably Granny Smith)
1 and 1/8 cups of sugar
3 tablespoons of water
1 and 1/4 cups of cranberries
The method is straightforward but requires care, particularly in crafting the dough, which is notably rich with butter. The filling necessitates cooking the cranberries with sugar and water to create a luscious syrup, which is then poured over the sliced apples in the crust.
Historical Context of Cranberry Use
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While the cranberry sauce that many Americans associate with the holiday today may overshadow tarts, Hale’s recipe showcases how cranberries were traditionally utilized in desserts. References to cranberry dishes date back to the 17th century with early American cookbooks documenting their preparation into sauces and tarts. John Joselyn highlighted cranberries as a staple among both Native Americans and early English settlers, further establishing their place in American cuisine.
Thanksgiving's Transformation
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Hale's quest to institute a national Thanksgiving involved a persistent letter-writing campaign directed at prominent government officials and a public outreach effort through Godey’s Lady’s Book. Although initially met with resistance from several presidents, Hale's determination culminated in success when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863.
Lincoln’s proclamation called for the celebration to occur on the last Thursday of November, a date that has persisted in varying forms through history. Hale's vision for Thanksgiving was one of unity and peace, providing a moment for families to come together amidst a backdrop of social turmoil.
The Flavor of Tradition
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Tasting Hale’s cranberry apple tart reveals a harmonious balance of flavors. The tartness of cranberries beautifully complements the sweetness of the apples, while the buttery crust adds richness. Although the recipe might not rely on spices traditionally associated with pies—such as cinnamon—its flavors stand on their own. The vivid pink hue of the apples, stained by the cranberry syrup, adds an aesthetically pleasing element, reminding us that cooking is as much about visual delight as it is about taste.
Celebrating Hale’s Spirit
As we prepare for another Thanksgiving, it is essential to remember the contributions of women like Sarah Josepha Hale, who defined and united the holiday through her advocacy and culinary traditions.
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Try making her cranberry apple tart, capturing a taste of history that is both delicious and meaningful. Share your successes on social media to inspire others to explore the history behind their Thanksgiving feasts. Let us give thanks to those who paved the way for our communal celebrations, blending tradition with the joy of family and food.
In celebrating Thanksgiving with cranberry tarts, we not only enjoy a delicious dessert but also honor a legacy of perseverance and unity, solidified by one remarkable woman. Happy Thanksgiving!