[Ansteorra] Good idea Let us share info

[Virginia Gatling]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Gunter" <countgunthar at hotmail.com>
To: <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Good idea Let us share info


> >The one thing I still haven't been able to solve was my cooking over an
>>open
>>fire not being period, was it my method or my equipment tsk tsk maybe I'll
>>never know.
>>Regina

Oh no Not Period! ...boo Hoo I'll take my toys and go home. ;-) Just 
kidding! Gunthur I have and still research this topic Maybe we can compare 
notes one day. You know I have many period cookbook reproductions etc. I 
just like everyone elses food. I stick to my breads and meats and soups.

> Well, the spit you use isn't what is seen in the period woodcuts of camp
> life. They were rather like sawhorses with various tools for leveling and
> basting of foods and hooks on the legs for lesser spitting.

   My original spits were like the ones in the Bayeux Tapestry and info 
found about life pre 1000. They did not function well in the SCA so I 
adapted for usefulness and ambience.
    I do know of the wood cuts but most are after my time period. I may make 
one one day.

> You cook with cast iron which wasn't invented yet. A proper camp kitchen
> used ceramic, tin and forged metal cookware.

      I don't use cast iron pots. I have copper & tin items but do not use 
them anymore. I have one forged pot but it is used as a flower pot now 
because it is not safe to use these days. I used and still use alumnimum & 
stainless steel now. It lasts longer and is safer. Lasagna is better in 
stainless steel when cooked over an open fire.  Oh! you forgot about the 
proper oven. I have many cast iron pots but they decorate my yard & shed.

> You aren't using the proper camp tools such as flesh hooks, skimmers,
> tasting
> spoons, etc...

My utensils are all forged. The next time you come to my camp or to the 
house  take a look at them. I only use a few spoons and forks these days 
because many items get lost or given away. I do use flesh hooks. I have 
several tasting spoons. I did have a skimmer but lost it. I also had a rack 
with pot that collected drippings but it was borrowed and has yet to return 
home. One day when we get the new forge in I'll make some more items. Mybe 
I'll make a miniture.

> You don't pound your spices and rubs in a proper mortar and pestle.

When I use spices I do use a Mortar & Pestle. I have many of these for many 
different uses. My meats never have any rubs or spices they don't need them. 
When I cook meats for others I cook to their specifications and use the 
spices they want.

> The dishes you prepare aren't documented as being period.

What dishes? All I cook is meat found along the road to an event ;-), bread 
and whatever vegge I can find on site :-) Anyway I can't find any recipes 
for my period  ha ha.
>
> See? You horrible modern person you! I'll bet you even sometimes rely on
> that devil's tool.....the....(shudder!)....Co-Co--COLEMAN STOVE!

 Now that has become my tool of choice and I do use a small cast iron 
skillet when I cook on it. I really like my pasta dishes and the steaks are 
great. I also make scones in my camp oven.

> Basically, if someone really wants to be anal they can rip apart any 
> attempt
> at period. You perform a wonderful service for anyone in camp and I'd 
> rather
> have your wonderful cookware and spits in my camp roasting meats and
> creating dinner than a coleman stove. One of the reasons we call this ugh,
> The Dream (tm, pat pend) is that we don't adhere to strict recreation. We
> ignore eyeglasses and obvious modern items like nylon tents. But we can
> also take baby steps along the way and inspire others to become a little
> more
> period.
I like to set up for the ambience and make things work well for what I am 
doing. I am sure people in period did the same thing. I hate putting my 
period tent up for only a day so I like my little modern tents but they have 
period flare. All anyone has to do is make an attempt. I don't like labels 
on water bottles so I take them off most of the time.
> Take cooking, since we are on the subject. It wasn't too long ago when a
> "period feast' meant no tomatoes or potatoes. Now documented food is
> on tourney feasts as often as not. People have discovered that period
> cuisine
> actually tasted good. No, we don't cook in period kitchens but that 
> doesn't
> mean we can't have someone taste a period dish and have them get excited
> about it.
Try leek soup with meat & bread
> The way you correct non-period behavior is to get the person excited about
> the "right way" of doing it.
 Help me! Help me!
> Gunthar
Regina
>
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