Scots are known for their crispy oatcakes from which oatmeal cookies evolved. The first recorded oatmeal raisin cookie recipe was written by Fannie Merritt Farmer in 1896 so made the jump to America. The cookies were billed as “health food,” and by early 1900s a recipe appeared … [Read more...] about Chewier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Fun Food History
Fun Food History of the Yule Log
If you missed Stir Up Sunday this year so no homemade Christmas Pudding or Fruitcake on your holiday sweets table, you can always impress your family and guests with another English tradition, the Yule Log cake or bûche de Noël as it is known to the French. Essentially it is a … [Read more...] about Fun Food History of the Yule Log
Downton’s Macaroni with Soufflé Top
This recipe appears in the new Official Downton Abbey Cookbook, which I have adapted to make it slightly cheesier and to allow for the soufflé to do its thing. I love the crusty cheesy edges. Did you know that Macaroni cheese was very popular in Britain in the 1800s? Settlers … [Read more...] about Downton’s Macaroni with Soufflé Top
The New History Behind the Famous Pavlova Dessert
If you follow food history or are from Australia or New Zealand, you are likely aware of the ongoing battle between the two countries as to who invented the Pavolva, the famous dessert named after Anna Pavlova, a famous Russian ballerina. The answer seemed to be that it first … [Read more...] about The New History Behind the Famous Pavlova Dessert
A Luxury Treat on the Titanic: The Contentious History of Foie Gras
Foie gras has a contentious history intertwined with luxury and controversy. The fattened liver of ducks or geese was originally enjoyed in ancient Egypt by the wealthy elite. Through trade and conquest, foie gras has become associated with status and indulgence across ancient … [Read more...] about A Luxury Treat on the Titanic: The Contentious History of Foie Gras
