MUCH ADO ABOUT COOKING
Delicious recipes inspired by the most famous literary figure in the world
From patties and platters to trifles and tarts, food is a key player in Shakespeare's world. With unique recipes from The Globe archives and new ideas inspired by the bard, Much Ado About Cooking is a delectable celebration of dishes that capture both the spirit of Shakespeare's literary work and life in the Elizabethan era.
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Including recipes such as gingerbread, sumptuous stews and spiced cakes, this beautiful cookbook features moreish food photography alongside stunning woodcut illustrations, quotes from the plays and fascinating literary facts, so you feast like an Elizabethan and dine like it's 1599.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHOCOLATE
What makes chocolate so alluring? Why is it the inspiration for endless culinary creativity? Sam Bilton explores our complex relationship with this versatile confection, which is made from the humble beans of the tropical cacao tree.
Divided thematically, the book moves between the ceremonial uses of chocolate and its reputation as an aphrodisiac, investigates its reputed health properties and poisonous possibilities. Other chapters reveal the darker side of its production in the Americas, through slave labour and exploitation of indigenous populations, as well as its commercialisation as a sweet treat in Western cultures, and chocolate consumption around the world.
FOOL'S GOLD: A HISTORY OF BRITISH SAFFRON
Saffron has allured us with its golden hues throughout time. It was the darling of the Medieval kitchen, the saviour of the apothecary’s chest and gave cloth a regal glow. Unlike many spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, saffron can be successfully grown in England.
From the middle ages through to the eighteenth century there was a thriving saffron industry in this country. Some people even claimed English saffron was the best to be found in the world. Sam Bilton will show you how a few saffron fronds can make your repast a thing of great beauty and wonder to your dinner guests.
FIRST CATCH YOUR GINGERBREAD
Gingerbread is a lovely treat which has played a part in almost everyone’s childhood. But what was gingerbread made of when it first arrived on our plates? When did treacle, dark and sticky, first become available? And why did the gingerbread man leap from the tin, and run so fast with a fox snapping at its heels?
Sam Bilton examines the history of gingerbread, from ancient times down to the present day, before introducing us to a range of delicious gingerbread and ginger cake recipes that bring the story of this spicy and much loved treat to life.