what is a good medieval or renaissance food to serve for around 30 people?

Answer 1

Here are recipes from several medieval English manuscripts and collections, each in its original language accompanied with a literal translation, and followed by a modern interpretation of the recipe and its cooking procedures. These recipes do not contain specific measurements and quantities, but are sufficiently explained that any competent cook will be able to prepare them.

Eventually, some of these recipes will be complete with ingredient measurements & quantities, and at that point will be moved to A Boke of Gode Cookery; in the meantime, any fair-to-adequate cook should have the culinary skills necessary to be able to prepare these dishes from the contemporary version, and is encouraged to do so!

Please note that in the medieval recipes, the Middle English letter(called "egh") has been replaced by either "y" or "z."

Those who wish to try their hand at their own translations from the original recipes can consult the Glossary of Medieval Cooking Terms for assistance.
All translations and modern interpretations are by James L. Matterer and are © 2000-2005.



BEVERAGES | BREADS CAKES & PASTRIES | CHEESE DAIRY & EGGS | DESSERTS & SWEETS | FISH & SEAFOOD | FRUITS & VEGETABLES | GRAINS & PASTAS | MEATS | NUTS | POULTRY | SOUPS & SAUCES

ALL GODE COOKERY RECIPES | GLOSSARY OF MEDIEVAL COOKING TERMS

Answer 2

mutton... that's leg of lamb.

unsure though where you can get it.

you'd have to find a select butcher.. that's so true to the form it's not funny and those die harders will be impressed.

if you can get mead that'd be awsome too.. if you have die hards coming.

if not.. turkey is a fair replacement.. not that great though. rump roasts... huge ham hocks... things like that.. meats that come in large sections.

ask the butchers around your area, see what they come up with. (believe me some will know what you're asking)

:D

good luck....

if you can't get mead.. just get a big ol' keg of beer that's very classic.... if you can afford it get the wood kegs but there again is a specialty item and i'm not sure if anyone in your area can supply those but do call around town... or around the area someone will have something similar or the items you require.

and some will have special discounts... you may be able to find a caterer with in 50 miles... look up online for your state... see what you can find.. the more connections the better.. if not the local grocer and butcher will be more than happy to help.

(if they're smart)

Answer 3

Ministrum de canapo.
Sic fac ministrum de canapo. Recipe eum, et munda eum in aqua callida, et mitte eum lente bulire, ita quod coagulatur superius; et tunc remove partem superiorem, et mitte per straminiam, ut aqua exeat; et tunc mitte eum ad ignem *** pane grattato, et cepis rostitis in oleo olive; et tunc tempera illum *** lacte eius, zapharano, et aliis speciebus; et sparge uva passa ad scutellam.

Translation:
Hemp Seed Soup
hemp seeds
bread crumbs
onions
olive oil
saffron
spices
raisins
Here's the way to make hemp seed soup. Get the seeds and remove the peels by boiling the seeds slowly until the peels rise to the surface. Remove the peels, place the seeds in a sieve and drain them thoroughly (but be sure to save the liquid). Now, cook them over a fire with the bread crumbs and the onions, which you have already browned in olive oil. Then, add the liquid you saved, put in some saffron and other spices, and sprinkle the plates with raisins before serving

Answer 4

Turkey or chicken legs (if you wanted something smaller), baked or boiled whole potatoes, Mead, tarts or a pie of some sort for dessert, maybe even roasted veggies, just piled high on a large platter.
Hope this helps in some way, Good Luck!!

Answer 5

My suggestion is to look up "Medieval Times" the restraunt with show on the i-net. They should have a "what's on the menu" link!

Answer 6

Things you eat without utensils:
1] turkey or chicken legs
2] small crusty bread loaves
3] olives, raw veggies - carrots, celery, cucumbers, etc. [ no peeling, slicing, or chopping ]
4] cooked veg that don't fall apart in fingers - beans, brocolli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts
5] fruits that don't require peeling - berries, melon wedges, apples, etc.
6] soup or stew - they had spoons
7] finger food deserts - tarts, cookies, scones
8] mead, wine, tea, coffee

Answer 7

Your question was interesting as I had no knowledge of the sort of diet eaten during this period. I am now on a web search to increase my knowledge and have thoughts of such a dinner party myself no that you have piqued my interest.
Here is a site I'm finding useful.

http://www.godecookery.com/how2cook/how2cook.htm#top

Answer 8

Anything off the grill is good

Answer 9

Roast lamb- ancient, yet kosher.

Answer 10

Turkey legs!!!