Political Appetites: The Power of Food in Revolutionary AmericaNEW
2026 · Johns Hopkins University Press
Art & culinary historian
There's always room at my table for a hungry mind.
Author of Political Appetites and host of PBS's Feeding the American Revolution, premiering December 8.
About Nancy
It's all on the plate
In our family, we gathered in the kitchen not only for nourishment, but for comfort and conversation. In the tradition of colonial taverns, coffeehouses, and meeting houses, no topic was off the table. This is a space where you are welcome to share and engage. Join me for a cup of Liberty Tea and a slice of Election Cake.
Professor of Art History & Culinary History at Towson University · Researched George III's private papers at Windsor Castle
Nancy Siegel
The new book
Political Appetites
The Power of Food in Revolutionary America · Johns Hopkins University Press
How a new nation cooked up politics, one recipe at a time. From tea boycotts and homemade Liberty Tea to Washington Pie and a Mammoth Cheese for Thomas Jefferson, ordinary food became a way to protest, persuade, and celebrate.
“Siegel offers an engaging examination of how revolutionary politics intertwined with colonial food culture. With an easily digestible approach and style that will appeal to academic and non-academic audiences alike, Political Appetites is a delightful read and an important contribution to the history of the United States as it marks its 250th year.”
Premieres December 8 · PBS
Feeding the American Revolution
Nancy hosts this WMHT/PBS documentary based on her research.
Watch the trailer →Lectures · Tastings
Bring the Revolution to your table.
For the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, invite Nancy for a lively lecture or a tasting of historical recipes. Every program can be shaped for your audience.
Perfect for museums, historical societies, libraries, garden clubs and universities. Fees and travel are shared by request.
Book an Event
Bring Nancy in for a lecture or a lecture and historical menu tasting
From Nancy's kitchen
Historical recipes and treats for your table
Every dish on this menu comes from a real cookbook of early America. Choose one to read the receipt as it was written, and how to make it in your kitchen now.
Nancy Siegel · Tasting Menu
Bill of Fare
To Drink
Cakes & Pies
Sweetmeats
Choose a dish to open its receipt.
The bookshelf
Nancy's books
Buy on Amazon →
Susie M. Barstow: Redefining the Hudson River School
2023 · Lund Humphries
Women Reframe American Landscape: Susie Barstow & Her Circle
2023 · Hirmer · Co-editor
The Cultured Canvas: New Perspectives on American Landscape Painting
2011 · University of New Hampshire Press · Editor
Where to find Nancy
Upcoming events
November 14, 2026
Political Appetites lecture and tasting
Maryland Center for History and Culture, Baltimore, MD
November 19, 2026
A Taste of Democracy: From Liberty Tea to Freedom Fries
Sandy Spring Museum, Sandy Spring, MD
Get in touch