Twin Cities Based Food Historian Launches Second Kickstarter Campaign

ST. PAUL, Minn. - April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- Local food historian, Alice the Cook, is attempting to raise enough money to be able to build a renaissance period looking sound stage at http://www.kickstarter.com.  Fans and cooking enthusiasts can locate the pledge page by visiting http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1211437384/setting-the-stage.  Pledges can be as little as $1 and depending on the level of sponsorships, fans and donors can receive various gifts for their pledges including cookbooks, spices, or opportunities to sit, watch and taste the food that Alice the Cook makes.  The goal of the campaign is to raise $2800 by May 1, 2013.  If the goal is not met, the backers won't be charged for their pledge and no oven will be purchased.

“People have lost touch with the art form of crafting meals for the family and I want to bring it back. While I've been told that my shows and lectures are interesting and entertaining, I feel more can be done” says Anjila K. Olsen (aka Alice the Cook). “I know the audience enjoys the smell of wood smoke on the air at the shows, but I think the smell of cooking and baking can add to it. Also, I think the audiences would appreciate being able to watch bread being made as it was, up close and personal (10' - 20' away).”

Who is Alice the Cook?
Alice the Cook is a character performed by Anjila K. Olsen. As her character, Olsen has written three self-published cookbooks, writes food articles for the bi-monthly publication Renaissance Magazine, and provides educational stories and recipes in her syndicated food blog, http://alicethecook.com.

As Alice the Cook, Olsen welcomes others warmly and encourages them to visit her website, twitter, or facebook pages. Engaging in lively conversation, Olsen blends a friendly personality, traditional cooking techniques, and ingredients along with 21st century technology. Her demonstrations cover a wide variety of topics, which she tailors to her audiences’ needs and interests. Working with children and adults alike, she has demonstrated Silk Road spice blends, historical and medicinal uses for spices and herbs, as well as historical cooking techniques.

Where has Alice the Cook been featured?
Alice the Cook has also had articles featured in The Heavy Table food blog, the Star Tribune (MN), Argus Leader (SD), Chicago Tribune (IL), and the Jerusalem Post (Israel). As her character, Olsen also prepares historical cooking demonstrations for area schools and colleges, community education programs, and regional renaissance festivals.  When she cooks, she goes back to the basics and uses fresh ingredients from local producers and uses the same recipes that were used centuries ago in cast iron pots, while cooking over an open fire.  

During the summer months, Olsen performs at the Siouxland Renaissance Festival in Sioux Falls, SD and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, MN.  She has also made appearances at the Salisbury Renaissance Festival in IA and the Sarasota Renaissance Festival in FL.  

Olsen is available for interviews and general questions. She may be e-mailed directly at goodwifealice@gmail.com.