Books to Borrow Williamsburg Public Library Recommends

Many of us pass recipes through generations with our own family cookbooks. Max Miller has taken recipes from ancient texts and passed them onto us all by modernizing them to fit today's world. The author takes us through not only the history of the recipes and flavors of the world, but his journey into baking as well. After a friend's illness led to an all-day baking show binge instead of vacation sight-seeing, he was hooked.

Miller believes food has the power to bring humanity closer together. With his book, recipes, dishes, and tastes bring together generations and have the ability to provide historical understanding of traditions, political turmoil of the times, and societal norms of the areas of the recipes' origins.

Miller lists common ingredients used in the historic recipes, describing their flavors, where they may be found, and offers substitutes. Some can still be found today, though some more commonly than others. The popular medieval herb hyssop, which has hints of mint and anise, is still commonly used in tea.

Each recipe includes the original form, with pictures and translations, as well as a modern version for today's kitchen. Precise measurements and cooking times were not something ancient recipes traditionally contained. They were, in fact, typically written down by cooks for other cooks. For example: "Put good things in and cook until it is enough." Miller used his knowledge of history, research, his best educated guesses, and trial and error in the kitchen to come up with missing ingredients, cook times, and measurements.

A 14th Century recipe for gingerbread from England calls for long pepper, sandalwood, and gold leaf among other more common ingredients still found in today's gingerbread recipes, like ginger and cloves. The legend and history of gingerbread spans centuries and influences the lore of many lands, including Germany and the tale of "Hansel & Gretel." Most people think of gingerbread cookies and little men who run away as fast as they can when they think of gingerbread. Today's traditional gingerbread recipes seem to be more of a cake and many don't contain ginger. The contained recipe is made with stale bread, honey, and ginger, along with the other mentioned ingredients.

Explore other recipes such as 17th Century French Lemonade, Stew of Lamb from 1740 BC, or Parmesan Cheese Ice Cream. Journey through the past with 4,000 years of recipes from all over the world from Egypt to Texas to Transylvania and spanning from 1740 BC to 1914. "Tasting History" will have you whipping up dishes at home you'll most likely find on no restaurant menu.