Last week we hosted a Medieval Dinner and Program in Sweet Remembrances. The tables were set with trenchers, hollowed out slices of bread that served as plates for several courses of the feast.
In earlier days, it was acceptable to use the tablecloth to wipe your fingers. However, as cultures progressed, napkins were used, typically draped over the left shoulder. As fashions developed, the napkin would be wrapped around your neck and the expression 'to make ends meet' developed. Silverware was limited. We provided a knife, although attendees at a Medieval feast would have provided their own dagger to spear the meat that was served. Forks were not considered appropriate to use and spoons would have been made of wood and later tin or silver. There would be a communal plate to serve the various courses. Our feast began with Dilled Veal Balls and a bowl of Cabbage Chowder. Saffron was a popular seasoning because of the flavor and gorgeous color it would impart on the food.
The second course featured Golden Leeks and Onions and a plate of Puree of Peas.
Mushy Peas can still be found in pubs throughout England. The trenchers would be gathered at the end of the banquet and given to the hoards of hungry that were gathered outside the castle gates.
The next course included Chicken with rice and almonds and sauteed mushrooms and leeks. Dessert featured Pumpkin Bread with Lemon Curd, circletes (a type of cookie with currants) and mulled Cider.
In addition, we were happy to be able to harvest fresh figs from our backyard tree.
For additional information about figs, visit this
earlier post written by Susanna. If medieval etiquette interests you, this
previous post includes a bit of etiquette that we typically share with our guests when attending our Medieval feast.
This fun package of Lemon Grass herb tea was another souvenir gift from the recent trip our cousin took to Southeast Asia. Made in Cambodia, this skillfully crafted reed basket contains powdered lemon grass. Lemon Grass is the distinctive lemony fragrance found in Southeast Asian cuisine. The recipe included with the basket provides instructions to prepare Lemon Grass Tea (frappe). To prepare this specialty drink, after making a simple sugar syrup, you add fresh lime juice and lemon grass and then infuse black tea for 5 minutes. Strain, and serve over ice. While on vacation this past summer, I prepared the Lemon Grass Tea as instructed, and it was described as an 'exotic flavor' by my cousin's husband. 
