[Sca-cooks] A good source? was "period spice containers/storage"

Annofnite at aol.com Annofnite at aol.com
Thu Jul 7 19:16:31 PDT 2011


Such great links and commentary.  Thank you to all for your  help/input.   
I do have Jack Turner's "Spice: the History of a  Temptation" finally from 
the library.  I also have Michael Krondl's "The  Taste of Conquest: the Rise 
and Fall of the Three Great Cities of Spice."   Both were recommended to me 
to ready/refer to.
 
It seems best to propose the "possibility" that spices were passed, but  
that for sure comfits & wafers were passed around at a feast/meal.  I'm  not 
sure how in depth I need to go at this point for my project, but I am sure  
the judges will give me lots of input (3 of the 4 judges are culinary folks - 
 yay).
 
I am most humbled and appreciative for everyone and their time and  
information!  I'm very glad I joined this group!!
 
Thank you so much,
~Aine of Wyewood
 
 
In a message dated 7/6/2011 1:12:48 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
Annofnite at aol.com writes:

I did find the source again where they talked about passing a "spice  
platter" around the table for guests to add more spices to their already  
prepared meals.  I believe some folks corrected that information saying  that it 
was not for putting on food but came in forms of sugar treats or what  not.
 
Here is the source and the excerpt that I was referring to.
 
******************************************************************
 
Spices, or the Dawn of the Modern  Age 
from Tastes of Paradise: A Social History of Spices,  Stimulants, and 
Intoxicants
by Wolfgang Schivelbusch
published  by Vintage Books, A Division of Random House ISBN  0-679-74438-X

"At especially refined tables spices became emancipated altogether from  
the prepared food. They were passed around on a gold or silver tray- the spice 
 platter-during the meal or just after it. This platter was divided into  
various compartments, each of which held a specific spice. Guests helped  
themselves, adding spices as desired to the already seasoned dish, or they  
used the tray as a cheese or dessert platter. They consumed pepper, cinnamon,  
and nutmeg as we nowadays might partake of a delicacy, a glass of sherry, or 
a  cup of coffee."
 
_http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/excerpt2.html_ 
(http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/excerpt2.html) 
 
******************************************************************
 
 
I would very much appreciate knowing if this is not a good source for my  
A&S project.  
 
Thank you to all who offer their input.
 
YIS,
~Aine of  Wyewood




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