Bibliography of Food
Last updated: January 2, 2024
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Email: [email protected]
Website: http://mallysonszabo.com
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In my book (The Reenactor's Cookbook) I talk about a variety of foods and tools. Some brands I specifically named because they are worth paying a little extra to get. Here you will find the brands I used the most, updated on a regular basis as I find new quality foods, new brands, and new places to shop.
- King Arthur Bread Flour - While it's true that our medieval ancestors would not have had access to such finely ground, sifted bread flour as this, it does make modern baking a little easier. I highly recommend this for anyone who's starting out in baking, to be mixed with other flours to produce modern and periodesque loaves. King Arthur has several types of flour, in standard and organic blends. Other good brands include Bob's Red Mill, Arrowhead Mills, and Better for Bread flour. (Available at most grocery stores.)
- Coupe Saffron - I use Coupe Spanish Saffron Threads exclusively. I have tried several brands of saffron over the years, and Coupe has the best flavor and color of all of them. Most medieval recipes call for only a few threads of saffron to be used, because of the expensive nature of the spice. With Coupe, I find I can get the exquisite flavor from a small number of threads. (Find it at The Spice House.)
- Auntie Arwen's Spices - For general spices, both modern and historical, I go to Auntie Arwen. She is a classically educated PhD in art, history, and writing. She's also one of the most interesting people I've run into, and her spice blends are phenomenal. (Available at many Renaissance Faires and online!)
- If you are in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, check out Monadnock Oil & Vinegar. They are able to get many medieval spices, and you can support a growing and wonderful local company, as well! (Find Monadnock Oil & Vinegar online.)
- Claremont Spice and Dry Goods - They are a spice and culinary shop specializing in fresh spices at great prices. From Aleppo Pepper to Za’atar, they carry a wide range of spices and blends, locally roasted coffees and loose-leaf teas, award-winning smoked meats, 100% grass-fed beef, honey, maple syrup and much more. Their sister store next door, The Kitchen Drawer, carries kitchen gadgets and accessories. Really fantastic store that has a bunch of fun things, as well as some gadgets that might be useful in an historical kitchen! (Find Claremont Spice and Dry Goods online.)
- Szeged Paprika - Szeged is available in most big grocery stores these days. It comes in a red tin, in one of two types: hot or sweet. Most paprika I've run into in America and Canada tends to be lackluster and flavorless, designed to give color without flavor. Szeged has excellent flavor, delicate and smokey, just right for certain late period Spanish and Slavic recipes. (Available at most grocery stores, and online, in hot and sweet versions!)
- Organic Spelt Flour - I use Great River Organic Spelt flour, which we pick up from Amazon's grocery delivery section. I get a 25 lb bag every 3 months, delivered right to my door. This is finely ground, but not so fine as to be considered for pastry. Spelt flour is often tolerated well by people who have allergies or sensitivities to modern wheats, but is NOT suitable for those suffering from Celiac Disease (it contains gluten). While Great River is a bit more expensive, when on regular order, it's not too much more and it's worth every penny. Other good brands include Bob's Red Mill, and Arrowhead Mills. (Great River is on Amazon.)
- Peas and Beans - When it comes to legumes, there was a limited supply in the middle ages. However, we have plenty today that are close enough to work from. I usually use Goya brand legumes because I appreciate that the brand is owned and operated by Hispanics, and has been throughout the company's history. They've been active in supporting local communities throughout the United States, something that I find personally uplifting. Their food is top-notch, whether you're getting dried beans, or canned foods, or one of their spice lines. (Find beans at most grocery stores, and on Amazon.)
- Pots, frying pans, fire tools - Tripphammer Blacksmith Shop has INCREDIBLE stuff. We have a few of their pieces, and are picking up more. Definitely worth looking into!
- Tentsmiths - Yes, they're expensive, but yes, they're absolutely worth it. Tentsmiths is local to New Hampshire, and offers quality, hand made, historically accurate tents and tarps.