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Eating with the Tudors is an extensive collection of authentic Tudor recipes that showcases the influence of religion, reformation, and politics on the dining tables of sixteenth-century England. Brigitte Webster skillfully weaves together a narrative that chronicles the changing world during Henry VII's reign through Elizabeth I's rule.
This book provides fascinating insights into Tudor society through meticulously researched household account books, manuscripts, letters, wills, diaries, and works by Tudor physicians, herbalists, and chronologists. Readers will discover the Tudors' food obsession and explore the most popular ingredients of the time. The author also delves into both beloved classics, making a comeback in trendy restaurants and exotic foods that piqued Elizabethan curiosity but fell short of expectations.
Eating with the Tudors goes beyond recipes to explain the concept of a healthy balanced meal in Tudor England. It explores the significance of certain foods and their availability throughout the year, shedding light on how food played a role in establishing class, belonging, and status. With this book as a guide, readers are tempted to recreate iconic Tudor flavors and indulge in the diverse seasonal tastes that Tudor dishes offer. Whether impressing guests with a grand Tudor feast or preparing a New Year's culinary gift fit for royalty, this book provides all the inspiration needed.
As someone who adores books about food history and enjoys trying out new recipes, eating with the Tudors was a perfect fit for me. This well-structured book presents interesting historical information alongside easy-to-read and follow recipes from Tudor times. Divided into five sections - Spring, Summer, Fall Winter, and Banqueting Food - it offers a comprehensive exploration of Tudor cuisine. While my copy had black-and-white photos (possibly due to reviewing an ARC copy), I hope that the final version will feature colorful visuals.
Overall, I highly recommend this captivating book to anyone interested in Tudor history and culinary adventures.
ARC Via NetGalley
