FOOD HISTORY
LECTURES
I love to share my knowledge and inspire curiosity by presenting food history
lectures and workshops at libraries, community and
senior centers, and for hobbyist groups.
To book one of Amy's lectures, email [email protected]
NEW LECTURE: DEBUTING FEBRUARY 26, 2025
A Taste of New Orleans
Step into the French Quarter and explore the culinary history of the Big Easy with former NOLA resident and food history enthusiast, Author Amy Gail Hansen, whose novel The Butterfly Sister is set in New Orleans. Learn the compelling origins of the city’s most celebrated gastronomic treasures—Café au lait & Beignets, Gumbo and King Cake—as you travel from the iconic Cafe Du Monde to the heart of the Bayou.
Audience: Adult, Seniors
Length: 75 minutes (60 minute presentation, plus 15 minutes Q & A)
Format: Power Point, Lecture, Q & A
Audience: Adult, Seniors
Length: 75 minutes (60 minute presentation, plus 15 minutes Q & A)
Format: Power Point, Lecture, Q & A
Other Available Lectures
Duncan Hines: More Than Cake Mix Since the 1950s, the name Duncan Hines has been synonymous with boxed cake mix. But who was Duncan Hines? And how did he influence American food history? Join writer and history enthusiast Amy Gail Hansen for an in-depth look at this Chicago-based traveling salesman’s fascinating life, from the coveted restaurant recommendations included in his Christmas card that became "Adventures in Good Eating" to the products still bearing his name on today’s grocery shelves.
Audience: Adult, Seniors Length: 75 minutes (60 minute presentation, plus 15 minutes Q & A) Format: Power Point, Lecture, Q & A |
Sweet Treats of the Midwest Join author and food enthusiast Amy Gail Hansen as she uncovers the fascinating history of four desserts all originating in the Midwest, from Bertha Palmer’s brownie to the invention of the Twinkie, from the birth of Rice Krispie Treats to the creation of the Bundt cake. Amy will also share tricks to making seasonal variations of these treats, perfect for celebrations and holidays.
Audience: Adult, Seniors Length: 75 minutes (60 minute presentation, plus 15 minutes Q & A) Format: Power Point, Lecture, Q & A |
What People are Saying...
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“…A fabulous program! I thought it was both educational and delightful – full of illuminating history and amusing statistics – and Amy is a very animated speaker.”
~Sarah Vessalo, Adult Programming Coordinator, Park Ridge Public Library (Park Ridge, IL) |
"Thank you so much for bringing your warmth and knowledge to our library last night to present on Duncan Hines. I thought your presentation was FABULOUS!...TOP NOTCH!"
~Barb Riley, Adult Program Coordinator, Cary Public Library (Cary, IL) |