[Sca-cooks] Guinea Fowl

[Olwen the Odd]

>While we're on the topic of misnamed and weird geographic distribution of 
>food
>items...
>
>I'm wondering whether Guinea Fowl has been documented in period. According 
>to
>the Larousse Gastronomique, the bird is from Africa and was known to the
>Romans. I've also seen the term in Weaver's 'Food and Drink in Medieval 
>Poland'
>but I mistrust this source. It may have been an error in translation, and 
>since
>I can't remember where in his text I saw this I can't verify his source (if
>any, and if available).
>
>Petru

Petru, there are lots of paintings done in period that clearly show Guinea 
Fowl hanging from kitchen rafters and market stalls.  It is a large bird, 
almost turkey size with charcoal/black feathers with tiny white spots all 
over them.  They roost in trees and make an ungodly sound that will shut up 
any junkyard dog.  Oddly, they have a distant affection for their owners, or 
care-takers, if you will.  I had a brood of them once.  Very interesting.  
Oh.  Did I also mention yummy?

Cariad a heddwch (love and peace)

THLady Olwen the Odd
Apprentice to Master Chirhart Blackstar
House Blackstar
Bright Hills Cooks Guild
Order of the Pearl
Barony of Bright Hills
Kingdom of Atlantia!