Emperor Alexander II 
Emperor Alexander II of Russia was in a difficult financial and logistical position. The Crimean War left the country in debt, and their enemy, Great Britian had troops in Canada, just on the other side of Russian America, or what we now know as Alaska. In 1859, the logical thing to do was offer to sell Alaska to the United States. The matter was discussed, but when the Civil War started in 1861, it was put on hold. In 1867, Alexander told the Russian Minister to the United States, Eduard de Stoeckl, to open negotiations for the sale. Secretary of State William H. Seward was in favor of acquiring Alaska. The two men agreed to a price of $7.2 million, which amounted to 0.02 cents per acre, and signed the treaty ceding Russian America to the United States on March 30, 1867. The treaty was ratified on May 15, 1867. The United States officially took possession on October 16, 1867, in a Flag-Changing Ceremony. The small population of Russians living in Alaska moved back to Russia.
Alaska Timeline: Russian American 1733 -1867
Department of Alaska – 1867 – 1884
District of Alaska – 1844 – 1912
Territory of Alaska – 1912-1959
State of Alaska – 1959 - Present
Let’s travel back in time to Delmonico’s Steak House in New York City. It was known as the first fine dining restaurant in the country. Customers were actually able to order from a menu. Steaks were their specialty, but they created other unique culinary dishes as well. Chef de Cuisine Charles Ranhofer joined the Delmonico team in 1867 and was known for creating and naming dishes after famous or frequent diners. Some dishes commented on current events. The Alaskan purchase inspired a dessert made with banana ice cream, walnut spice cake with apricot jam covered with toasted meringue. He called it “Alaska Florida” because of the frozen ice cream and warm meringue. There is some debate about who officially created it, but most people agree it was to celebrate the purchase of Alaska. The most supported theory of the inventor is Ranhofer. He included it in a cookbook he published in 1893, still calling it “Alaska Florida.” In 1896, Fannie Farmer published it in her “Boston Cooking School Cook Book” with the title “Baked Alaska.”
Delmonico's 1890s
I, and other people I’ve talked to, have wondered why the ice cream doesn’t melt when the cake is heated. I found there is a scientific answer. When egg whites are whipped, they form air bubbles, which in turn insulate the ice cream from the heat. You can make Baked Alaska with any kind of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet, and any kind of cake. The writer of the recipe for the cake below makes it sound doable. Tap the link to see if you think so. The other picture is of the Baked Alaska served on the Alaskan cruise I took in June. It was delicious.
Baked Alaska
I, and other people I’ve talked to, have wondered why the ice cream doesn’t melt when the cake is heated. I found there is a scientific answer. When egg whites are whipped, they form air bubbles, which in turn insulate the ice cream from the heat. You can make Baked Alaska with any kind of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet, and any kind of cake. The writer of the recipe for the cake below makes it sound doable. Tap the link to see if you think so. The other picture is of the Baked Alaska served on the Alaskan cruise I took in June. It was delicious.
Linda, a retired librarian, lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she began her publishing career writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. Her desire is to entertain, but more importantly, to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.You’re invited to visit her website. Browse the pages to learn more about her and her books. Stay in touch when you sign up for her newsletter. You’ll receive a free novella as a thank you.
https://lindahooverbooks.com
JOEL & ELLA
1881 Boston. It’s been a year since Ella's fiancé left town on the eve of their wedding, and she still can’t bring herself to go to church or see her friends. To help her move past her hurt, her parents insist she get a job. In the process, she gets reacquainted with Joel, a neighbor who accompanies her on the trolley to and from the large department store where she finds work. They enjoy each other’s company, and Joel begins to think they might share a future.
Then, Ella’s ex-fiancé returns, asking for a second chance. He’s already broken her heart once. Can she trust him? Does she still love him? Her feelings for Joel pull her in another direction. Or maybe she should stay away from any man so she won’t get hurt again. Mama advises her to pray. Will Ella look to God for her answer or turn away from both men to avoid heartache?
