SC - Re: Goodbye (RANT)-ramble

[LrdRas at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/4/00 5:49:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
ekoogler at chesapeake.net writes:

<< Personally, common sense regarding the recreation of period recipes is a
 > > focused attempt to follow any given recipe as exactly as is possible 
whatever
 > > measures are needed to accomplish that.
 > >
 > > Ras >>

To set the record straight since I was the unfortunate individual who was 
quoted in this post......

I used the word 'personally.' I think the implications of that are very 
clear. They were my personal thoughts.

Yes, I am probably one of the worst 'offenders' in regard to actively 
advocating period feasts. I have worked very hard at this and like to think 
that in some small way I have made a mark. The expanding use of the term 
'Kitchen Steward' throughout the known world is one example of how a single 
individual of little importance can make a difference. I never thought it 
would catch on so rapidly when I originally suggested it.

Certainly the wide spread use of period and period-like dishes at feasts has 
increased astronomically since the inception of this list due to the work of 
Adamantius, Aiofe, Cariadoc, Huen, Llewelyn Gunther and many others including 
myself. The majority of SCA members have come to the point where they are 
disappointed if an attempt at period or period like food is not made for 
major events.

Dr. Gloning's work is invaluable in expanding knowledge of period German 
cookery.

The list goes on and on. But the point is that in spite of the Grumpy Old 
Farts, the arrogant schmucks, the primadonnas, the university titled and the 
explosive artists, the message is being heard. Believe it or not, I am very 
proud of all the people on this list even those that would belittle me and 
make attempts at character assassination against me and others. Despite my 
reputation (not undeserved) as a curmudgeon, I encourage my students to 
challenge me as was evident in Lady Seton's post regarding Kosher cuisine. 

I think one of the nicest times on the list was the creation of the 
hotdog/mac and cheese children's menu. Not period but enough period-like to 
be used as a good intro to period food for young people.

I guess what I am trying to say is that if you want to put chocolate chips in 
your frumenty, feel free to do so. I will still take the opportunity to point 
out to other folks that such a practice is not period and will most likely 
voice the opinion that I would not recommend that others do so. If that 
causes hurt feelings then I suppose it will but the intention is to focus on 
the possibilities that are in the actual period recipe not to say that such a 
concoction is bad tasting food. That being said you can bet your last dollar 
that i saved your chocolate chip frumenty recipe in my personal modern recipe 
files. :-)

Ras