SC - An unusual cooking method

[Phil & Susan Troy]

Micaylah wrote:

> Has anyone ever heard of the term "hay stew'? This method of cooking
> involves digging a hole, lining it with hay, placing the cooking stew in the
> hole (in a pot...duh!), and packing the hay in and burying it for several
> hours. :) The flavour of the heated hay permeates the stew and makes for a
> wonderful meal.

I vaguely recall a description from Lady Cairistiona about haybox cookery,
which seems to fit your description fairly well. It all appeared on this list
within the last eight months or so, I'd guess. Since Lord Stefan li Rous is
probably away at Pennsic (and will very likely say the same thing on his return
;  )    ) might I suggest the Florilegium?

> Also can it be documented into our time frame at all? If so, I want to use
> this method for an event soon, but need the documentation.

Insulated cookery (well, sort of) appears in Gervase Markham's instructions for
infusion mashing of malt for English ales, circa 1615 (but apparently
republished from his earlier writings from an unspecified date). How much that
helps, I dunno...he uses blankets and such to keep his vat warm, not hay.

Adamantius
______________________________________
Phil & Susan Troy
troy at asan.com


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