Cookbook: Cuisinier royal et bourgeois

 

It is no real secret that I am slightly obsessed with cooking, yet I do not ever cook. Not enough.  Heather and I were recently discussing the film Julie and Julia based on the true story of the Julie/Julia Project.  The idea of cooking so many recipes in such a short time is baffling to our 21st century minds, but there is some allure to it too! So that brings me to the topic of historical recipes!

I had some luck making historical gingerbread-ish cookies, which I found in an old 18th cent. cookery book.  They were really like molasses crunchy cookies that were best with whip cream.  Have any of you had luck dabbling in historical cookery? I would love to hear what recipes you have tried and loved, or had to change?

Recently From Common Hands Studio, which specializes in historic book binding, has offered for sale François Massialot's Cuisinier royal et bourgeois.  The copy offered is the 1702 edition, an English edition.  According to 18thc Cuisine:

"Massialot's book was reissued and updated often in French during the 18thC, but only once in English. The book is full of savories and sweets, liqueurs and confitures, instructions for table settings and menues for fat days and lean (fasting meals according to the church's calendar). Reenactors, living historians, museums and lovers of food and great books will find a remarkable treat in this lovely volume. Paul's work is magnificent--you won't be disappointed!"

To order a handmade copy of this 18th century cookbook, email Paul at fromcommonhands@yahoo.com (information on the website!)

I really want to get my hands on a copy of this and see what I can do! Would love to make a wonderful dessert for Heathers birthday but we will see about that... Anyway, I promise to update with any historical cookery I get myself into and I hope you share your stories too, pictures appreciated!

About Him: Le Comte de Vaudreuil

François-Hubert Drouais. Le Comte de Vaudreuil, 1758. Oil on canvas. The National Gallery, London.

"They [Letters by Vaudreuil] prove him to have been a man of sound judgment and a model courtier. He saw that any attempt to induce foreign Powers to interfere on behalf of Louis XVI, at least during the Constituent Assembly, would only do mischief to the Royal cause. He was ready enough to oppose the Revolution, but he would not, as so many of the emigres did, join the armies of the enemy in fighting against France. He did much to restrain the fiery temper of the Comte d'Artois. His prudent and respectful advice to the prince concerning his passion for Madame de Polastron was the means of avoiding much scandal."

 Wiseman, Nicholas Patrick. 1836. The Dublin review. London: Tablet Pub. Co. [etc.].

Weddings: Marie Antoinette and The Duchess

 If you have seen the modern interpretatios of Marie Antoinette and Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire's lives on teh big screen, you may have noticed the amazing difference between the weddings each of the women had. 

Which did you perfer? Georgiana's ceremony? Private, glowing, formal ...cozy?

 Or perhaps you like Marie Antoinette's ceremony better? Lavish, sparkling, formal luxe?

What do you think?

Downton Abbey Soundtrack

*Update September 21 2011*
Downton Abbey is available to view online once again! Just choose your episode below!
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I wanted to share some of the soundtrack from Downton Abbey because it is so lovely! Here are 8 excellent minutes, composed by John Lunn.  Enjoy! Via @edwardian_era

Downton Abbey [Suite] by aaronmbuckley

You can buy the Downton Abbey Soundtrack if you love it (I love it!)


If you have not seen or want to catch up on the series, all four episodes of season 1 are available to watch online for free (until February 22, 2011).  The online videos from PBS are high quality and the series is very entertaining, especially if you are snowed in!! (like moi!)

Downton Abbey Series 1 Episode 1
Downton Abbey Series 1 Episode 2
Downton Abbey Series 1 Episode 3
Downton Abbey Series 1 Episode 4