Thomas Jefferson's Creme Brulee

How a Founding Father and His Slave James Hemings Introduced French Cuisine to America

By: Thomas J. Craughwell

Narrated by: Alan Sklar

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1784, Thomas Jefferson struck a deal with one of his slaves, 19-year-old James Hemings. The founding father was traveling to Paris and wanted to bring James along for a particular purpose - to master the art of French cooking. In exchange for James's cooperation, Jefferson would grant his freedom. Thus began one of the strangest partnerships in United States history. As Hemings apprenticed under master French chefs, Jefferson studied the cultivation of French crops (especially grapes for winemaking) so that they might be replicated in American agriculture. The two men returned home with such marvels as pasta, French fries, Champagne, macaroni and cheese, crème brûlée, and a host of other treats. This narrative history tells the story of their remarkable adventure.

©2012 Thomas J. Craughwell (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[A] tasty addition to the long list of Jefferson's accomplishments." ( Kirkus)

LOVED sooooo much!!!!

I know a good bit about Jefferson but learned so much new info. We go to Paris and learn about his lifestyle and household in such an intimate way. Great read for Jefferson and history lovers!!!

Can’t find this in searches on app!

I had a recommendation for this book, and searched the Audible app store for it. Nothing! (I tried variations of the title, the full title, the author, and the narrator).

When I looked it up on Amazon, I see that there is in fact an audible book option. So I added it from there. But it was very frustrating that it’s missing from the app catalog. I hope this can be fixed! Now this has me wondering how many titles I am missing because they are not included in the app catalog.

I love the premise of this book, and got a little sample on Amazon. I will write a formal review once I’ve gotten a chance to listen to the book.

Learning new stuff

I really liked the book. Learned lots especially about tomatoes being part of the night shade family.

Interesting, but thin on food history

If you're interested in Colonial America, the Founding Fathers, etc., you may learn something from this book about Jefferson's tastes in food and where he sourced his farms. Unfortunately, the author spends more time giving historical context, much of which can be found in any other book about Jefferson, and less about food, much less crème brulee, and not enough information about James Hemings. Still, it is a fun read with an excellent narrator.

Unique tale of cuisine and history

Good narrator good story. Learned a lot from this and the content will inspire you to expand your horizons like one of our greatest forefathers and his journey through France.

Interesting material

Information that i think you won't find elseware. Disturbing matter of fact view of slavery, almost feels that the book condones it.

Someone owes me a credit

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Better narration and pacing would have helped a lot.

Has Thomas Jefferson's Creme Brulee turned you off from other books in this genre?

No not at all.

What didn’t you like about Alan Sklar’s performance?

His voice wass heavy and foreboding as if he were one of those men who voice thhe coming attractions of horror or disastermovies. He could read twinkle twinkle little star and send chills up your spine. In addition his breathing is unprofessional, he inhales at the beginning of each phrase and the decision to quote the French in a French accent was a regrettable one.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. The author goes off on strange tangents while painfully, obviously ignoring the white elephant in the room. The Hemings were mentioned only out of necessity. I was deeply disturbed by the authors fawning treatment of Jefferson to the detriment of the truth. This book was not, nor should it have been, a moral or historical treatise on Jefferson and slavery.however, the author was somehow inform us of Jeffersons hatred of a system that oppresses men and women and forces them to live in grinding poverty so the aristocracy can flourish- and this without eeven a hint of irony. At one point Jefferson is even admired by the author for spending half an hour in his garden in the afternoon. Very noble when human chattel toil, waveless and belashed the other 23.5 hours.thid was an unambiguous yarn and not the historical epicurean morsel I had so hungrily anticipated.