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Merry Yule!
Medieval/Renaissance
Christmas Dinners:
Ah, and here we come to that most important tradition of all: the Christmas feast. :) I'm sure you already have a vision of this in your head: King Henry VIII, and those who would follow, and those who preceded him, even those presented to us by Hollywood laid out quite an impressive table piled high with roast venison and goose, candied fruits of all kinds... One need only think of Feast scenes from every Medieval based movie, from Errol Flyn's Robin Hood, to Sean Connery's Robin and Marian to Excalibur and Braveheart, to get a sense--albeit theatrical--of what these gatherings must have been like. Such meals were the gathering place of performers of all kinds, minstrels, bards, acrobats; and let's not forget the knights and their ladies, the invited clergy, the diplomats and their retinue, as well as the king, queen, or princes' own retinue--and lastly, there came the townsfolk, who gathered at the doors, waiting for the king, queen, or prince's servants to pass along the diners' leftovers. These were highly organized affairs, often even including mini-jousts or duels, operas or theatricals, for the guests to participate in and enjoy.
The foods, though, this was the main attraction. What would they feast upon? Venison, fruits, candies, breads, cakes, etc. Some of these recipes have survived the ages, and a few are list here for your perusal. Most of these are outside links, and now and again, they're rather later than the Renaissance, but hey, they seemed worthy to be included here. Enjoy.
Renaissance Foods
(These links lead you to pages from the excellent Boke of Gode Cookery site.)
Chickens upon Soppe
Baked Venison
Roast Venison
Desserts
(also from Boke of Gode Cookery)
Medieval Gingerbread
Wardonys in syryp
(pears in spiced wine)
other fare
(not necessarily Med-Ren, but
Italian Christmas. :))
Neopolitan Seven Fish Dinner
This is but a... taste of a Medieval or Renaissance dinner. :) When I find new recipes/meals/sites, I shall add them here. :) For now, though, from our kitchen to yours, we wish you a lovely holiday!
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Works consulted:
Boke of Gode Cookery
Duke Shadow, "Yuletide Revelries" Renaissance Magazine vol. 5 #4, issue 20, 2000
Lady Anjuli McDonald, "The Development of the Christmas Carol" Renaissance Magazine, vol 5 #4 issue 20, 2000
Medieval Tudor Christmas Courts
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