Pecan Bars

1. Pecan Bars By: Ana Goncalves

2. Historical/Cultural Contexts • Where: Colonial Williamsburg by John R. Gonzales • When: 1780s-1800s- America had won the revolutionary War and this was hard on the women, even though it helped them become prepared to the changes in the near future. Because women were men’s property back in • 1780’s they couldn’t vote, hold office or have many rights at all. • Why: Pecan Bars have simple ingredients that make this recipe loved, that include eggs, sugar, pecans and etc. • Who: Many people were able to enjoy Pecan Bars because it was not so expensive to make, women made dessert and they are the favored part of the meal where they can impress their guests or husbands by their wonderful pecan bars. • The historical city of Virginia has plenty to see, to educate oneself, to eat at delicious dining they have in the many taverns the Colonial Williamsburg has.

3. Process • Pecan Bars Recipe • For the topping 1 cup(2sticks)unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 cup honey, ¼ cup heavy cream, 3 cups coarsely chopped pecans. For the Bars- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter softened, ¾ cups of sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel, 3 cups of flour and lastly, ½ teaspoon baking powder and cinnamon.

5. Process • I found this process to be extremely valuable and fun as I have never made Pecan Bars from the colonial times before • The insight that I learned was how vital dessert was in the colonial times it was the most important time of the meal and it lasted for hours. Also, how women were treated back then, not being able to have many rights and only be a strictly housewives to raise children and do their chores. • Making Pecan Bars requires simple ingredients but overall it took over an 1 hour to complete. I can only imagine how long it took the housewives to make it in the colonial time!

6. Cultural Tensions • Equality vs. traditional female subordination • The Virginia housewives worked hard to be able to keep up with all her domestic duties that included cooking all the meals. • The men expected the women to cook, because they thought if they work hard than they need to have duties of their own as well. • Throughout the 1800s there had been many changes that occurred within the roles and women’s rights, they actually started having an opportunity for freedom and had a say in their home after having the feeling of independence. • They not only had to raise their kids and do their duties but they also had the right to work outside of home.