Last week we told you a bit about the prehistoric history of the fig and how it spread to Greece and Rome, where it became a major dietary staple. This week we’re exploring more about the fig itself and as well bringing you a recipe for Greek fig cakes, called Sykomaitha. Just as figs have some unexpected palate-tickling qualities, these sweet little cakes up the deliciousness factor with a delightful surprise ingredient. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Bon Appetit Wednesday
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Figs Part 2: Greek Fig Cakes (Sykomaitha)
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture
Tagged ancient fig, ancient food, ancient history, ancient recipes, AntiquityNOW, Bon Appetit Wednesday, fig, fig cakes, figs, Sykomaitha\
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Figs Part 1: Pork and Fruit Ragout
We are so excited about today’s Bon Appetit Wednesday. It marks the beginning of a series on the succulent fig. As we all know, there is nothing more exciting than a good fig recipe! Okay, now that may be a bit of an overstatement, but in all seriousness, these little ancient fruits are amazing. There are so many ways to use the fig, which have been filling the bellies of our ancestors for thousands of years. Because the fig has been around for so long and has had such an impact on history, we’re devoting more than one post to its story. So whet that appetite and enjoy the glorious tale of the fig. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Uncategorized
Tagged ancient figs, ancient food, ancient history, ancient recipes, AntiquityNOW, Bon Appetit Wednesday, fig, figs, pork ragout
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Punic Porridge
It’s beginning to look a lot like winter! As snow blankets the ground and temperatures start to plummet, there’s nothing better on a chilly morning than a bowl of piping hot porridge. And if you want a dose of history with your breakfast, AntiquityNOW is here for you. This recipe, courtesy of On Agriculture by the Roman, Cato the Elder, was taken from the Phoenicians during the Punic Wars. It is considerably more exciting than the boring Roman version, also printed in On Agriculture. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Ancient Cacao Wine
Cacao pod. Image courtesy of Genet at German Wikipedia.
We love chocolate at AntiquityNOW. One of the first blog posts we published was about the history of chocolate (Hot Chocolate: Gift of the Gods Since 1900 BCE), so it shouldn’t be surprising that given the chance to bring you another chocolate recipe we jumped for joy! This holiday season, look no further for the drink that will delight your guests and make you the talk of the party scene: Cacao Wine from ancient Honduras. You can either buy some from Dogfish Head breweries (it is in limited release and may be difficult to find) or tackle the adventure of making your own batch with the recipe below. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Happy Thanksgiving
It’s Turkey Day! If you’re looking for those last minute recipes to round out your meal, look no further. AntiquityNOW has dishes to delight all of your guests and each one comes with a fascinating past.
Turkey Sobaheg– Learn why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
Ham ‘n Hay with Beer– A twist on your traditional holiday ham.
Carrots with Arame– Seaweed for Thanksgiving? It’s delicious and nutritious!
Mayan Pumpkin Soup– A comfort food with a long history.
Pumpkin Pie– Go back 200 years for this tried and true recipe.
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Holidays, Public Life
Tagged ancient foods, ancient recipe, AntiquityNOW, Bon Appetit Wednesday, pumpkin, Thanksgiving, Turkey
Bon Appetit Wednesday! African Nightshade
“Eat your greens and you’ll grow big and strong!” Since childhood we’ve been taught the importance of eating leafy green veggies, but that never seemed to persuade our minds or palates. But times have changed, and as a surprise to our younger selves, it seems that greens are getting more and more popular. No longer do we run from kale, or hide our collards under the napkin. Today, greens are all the rage. In fact in Africa, restaurants are increasingly turning to ancient, indigenous species to invigorate their menus and bring back a taste of the past. One of the most popular veggies making a comeback is the African Nightshade. Today, we’re bringing you a recipe for Cream of Nightshade Spinach. Spoiler Alert: There’s no spinach involved. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! National Dessert Day
October is a month packed with celebrations of culinary delights. Last week we sampled the ancient and delicious history of seafood and today we’re honoring our sweet tooth. Humanity has always loved to indulge in something deliciously decadent. From Cleopatra’s favorite Tiger Nut Sweets to the Mesopotamian Palace Cakes of Ur, there are so many wondrous ways to enjoy dessert spiced with a bit of antiquity. Below you’ll find the recipe for Tiger Nut Sweets, also called Dulcis Coccora, along with a list of some of our favorite Bon Appetit Wednesday dessert recipes. Happy National Dessert Day! Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! National Seafood Month
Ancient mosaic in an Egyptian burial tomb, circa 1400 BCE.
It’s National Seafood Month in the U.S., and when it comes to ancient eats, you can’t get more ancient than seafood. The bounty of the oceans has sustained mankind since prehistoric times. In fact, analysis of the lower mandible of a 40,000-year-old human skeleton, found in the Tianyuan Cave near Beijing, found the man ate fish regularly.[1] We also have ample archaeological evidence from the Paleolithic period including shell middens, discarded fish bones and even petroglyphs and cave paintings that prove humans have been enjoying seafood since before recorded history began.
So today we’re bringing you some Bon Appetit Wednesday recipes that will help you to celebrate National Seafood Month in ancient style. Each recipe is accompanied by a bit of history of the dish and its ingredients. Cook up a seafood feast for your family and friends and then dazzle them with your knowledge of the ancient past!
- Chilled Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce
- Double K Grilled Salmon
- Vatapa de Peixe e Camarao (Fish and Shrimp Stew)
- Grandma Joyce’s Fishcakes
- Sabzi Polo Mahi
- Salmon Kiliwan (Filipino Ceviche)
- Spaghetti with Olive Oil and Italian Fish Sauce
[1] First direct evidence of substantial fish consumption by early modern humans in China. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2015.
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Celebrate National Coffee Day
Yesterday was National Coffee Day in the United States, but we’re hardly the originators of good coffee. So we’re bringing you a recipe for the perfect ancient Turkish coffee, a drink that is not only delicious and full of energy, but according to recent studies, is also a healthy addition to your day. Greek researchers have discovered that “consumption of a boiled type of coffee is associated with improved endothelial function,” or cardiovascular health.[1] Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Apples for the Autumnal Equinox
Today is the first day of fall in the northern hemisphere. The days are getting shorter, the temperature is beginning to drop and we’re all preparing for snuggling up in sweaters and long nights by the fire. Many ancient cultures around the world celebrated the autumnal equinox and several of these traditions have been passed down through the ages. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture
Tagged ancient apples, ancient food, ancient recipes, AntiquityNOW, apple pie, autumnal equinox, Bon Appetit Wednesday, fall equinox, Mabon, Samhain
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