[Sca-cooks] Dutch oven question

[Stefan li Rous]

Vicente asked:
> Does anyone have information about or pictures of a device called a "testo"?
>   According to the descriptions I've read, it's a three legged iron pot with
> a thick lid.  You can pile coals around and on top of it so that it
> functions like a small oven.

The following message is one of two that mention this utensil in the
utensils-msg file in the FOOD-UTENSILS section of the Florilegium.

Not a lot, but perhaps it gives you another lead.
--
THLord  Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
Mark S. Harris             Austin, Texas         stefan at texas.net
**** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****

> Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 18:06:27 -0700 (MST)
> From: Sabia <sabia at unm.edu>
> Subject: Re: SC - I've been reading again
>
> On Fri, 3 Apr 1998, Christi Redeker wrote:
> > Can anyone out there tell me where I may find an illustration of a Testo?
> >
> > The book says, "There is a link here with Ancient Rome, where cakes had been
> > cooked in or under an earthenware testum, surrounded by hot coals.  The
> > medieval testo, was an earthenware or metal dish with a concave lid that
> > held colas to provide heat from above."  Then, "Italia torta recipes include
> > quite specific instructions on baking, and on the amount of heat needed
> > above and below."
>
> Murkial there is an article in Food in Antiquity (edited by John wilkens,
> David Harvey, & Mike Dobson) on the Clibanus and testum in ancient Rome
> with descriptions and archaeological detailed sketches. They discuss some
> of the materials used in assembly plus some of the breads made.
>
> Sabia (sabia at unm.edu)