SC - Late Fall/Early Winter Vegetables

[Lilinah biti-Anat]

Corwyn wrote:
>lilinah at grin.net writes:
> > I must say that there have been multiple requests to NOT serve
> >  armoured turnips *again*.
>
>Is this due to the number of times served?

I would say, "Yes." I live in the Kingdom of the West, Principality 
of the Mists, Province of the Mists: ground zero for the SCA. There 
are people here who have been in the SCA since day one, literally. So 
i think armoured turnips are getting "old". Also, this dish is a 
"traditional" part of the menu. I was told that it is served at every 
Boar Hunt (as i mentioned previously, no one's hunting or serving 
real boar, although there are some around here, rather there are two 
fighters designated as boars, light fighters as hounds, and heavy 
fighters as hunters).

>Or is it that people don't like turnips?

I don't think this is the problem, although as i think i mentioned, 
i'd never eaten a turnip as a child - i didn't have one until i 
became a vegetarian - so i think they may be a bit unfamiliar to some 
folks.

>If the latter, I've had great success substituting parsnips. Before
>anyone asks, I can't quote one single period reference to parsnips being
>substituted for any other root veggie, but it works well here. I have also
>pleased the crowd with parsnip frittors, taking boiled parsnips sprinkling
>with powder dulse and wrapping in eggroll wrappers and frying. Peas boiled in
>almond milk are well liked in this area too. Just a few thoughts off the top
>of my head.

I appreciate your suggestions and will make my own folder to consult 
- - i'm meeting soon with the most recent Kitchen Steward who will pass 
on to me the "traditional" recipes.

I've nothing against tradition. It's an important part of the SCA. 
But i think that much of this menu was developed when authentic 
Medieval cuisine scholarship was in its infancy in the SCA - i've 
seen what some folks around here recommend as Medieval cookbooks - 
stuff from the early to mid-70's. Certainly there are advanced 
Medieval cooks here, too (how could i overlook Lord Cariadoc?), but 
this feast is kind of a throw back. And while i want to keep 
important traditions, i think there are a few (like the rusty 
armoured turnips) that are ready for a change - there *are* other 
turnip recipes.

I thank everyone who has made suggestions and shared recipes.

(sniffle) You guys and guyettes are really princes and princesses, 
and i mean this in the nicest possible way (sniffle) i'm being 
overcome by holiday spirit, but i really mean it - i really really 
appreciate this list and all of you here who help and share and even 
get prickly sometimes. (my eyes are getting misty and my throat is 
choking up)

I hope everyone has had, is having, and will have a really nice, 
joyous, and wonder filled holiday season... with tasty food, too.

Anahita al-shazhiya

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