Recipe Box (Double Chocolate Bundt Cake)
By Elena Black
Hello fellow Slytherins!
It's probably not something we think heavily on but the truth of the matter is, we're very fortunate. This especially holds true to all the food and meals we can have now. Compared to the lifestyles of the medieval and even ancient civilization eras, we've got a lot more of .. well ... everything, honestly.
Back then, the most common meals consisted of wine, ale, bread, soup, and that was mostly it. Desserts were used during these time frames, although they weren't typically handed out to the commoners. In Mesopotamia, India, and other ancient civilizations, for example, sweets were offered to the gods.
For this month, I'm going to offer you a dessert that was first brought to Europe as far back as 992 AD.
Without further ado, may I present the recipe for .... gingerbread: medieval style!
The Armenian monk Gregory of Nicopolis is the man who brought gingerbread over to Europe. Now, it's my turn to show you how it can enter your own kitchen in the span of minutes.
Ingredients:
-4 teaspoons of ground ginger
-1 teaspoon of ground clovers
-1 teaspoon of pepper
-2 cups of clear honey
-1 pound of breadcrumbs
Cooking Utensils:
-You will need several unused tablespoons & teaspoons
-You will need several cups
-You will need some pans
-You will need a baking tray
-You will need access to an oven
-You might need an apron (for yourself, of course. This is optional but recommended)
Directions:
1. Gently heat the honey in a pan and bring to the boil. A scum will appear on the top of the honey as it boils so skim this off.
2. Stir the breadcrumbs into the hot honey and remove the pan from the heat.
3. Mix the spices into the honey/breadcrumb mixture and transfer to a baking tray. You need the mixture to be about 1/2 inch deep in the tray when it settles. Leave to cool.
4. When cold, cut into squares or triangles to serve.
Active Time: 10 minutes
Passive Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
And there you have it; medieval-style gingerbread!
Enjoy and may the upcoming term be a good one for you all!
Until next time,
Elena Black