Watch A Taste of History

A Taste of History from Janson Media starring Walter Staib and Diana Wolkow is a cooking and history show that takes viewers on a journey through time with delicious meals and fascinating stories. Each episode features a different historical period or event, and the hosts use authentic ingredients and cooking techniques to recreate dishes from the era.

The show begins with host Walter Staib, a noted chef and culinary historian, traveling to a historical site or museum related to the featured period or event. He is often accompanied by fellow host Diana Wolkow, an enthusiastic amateur historian and food lover. At the site, they explore artifacts, documents, and other historical sources to gain insights into the cuisine of the era. Staib then uses this knowledge to plan and cook a three-course meal that showcases the flavors and traditions of the time.

The cooking segments of the show are informative and engaging, with Staib providing step-by-step instructions and explanations for each dish. He carefully selects ingredients that would have been available or popular during the historical period, and he uses cooking techniques that are true to the era as well. For example, in an episode about colonial Virginia, Staib uses a mortar and pestle to pound corn kernels into flour for a traditional Native American dish called succotash. He also demonstrates how to cook over an open fire, a common practice in the colonial era.

As Staib cooks, Wolkow provides historical context and interesting anecdotes about the period. She draws from primary sources such as diaries, letters, and cookbooks to shed light on the daily lives and food traditions of people in the past. For example, in an episode about the American Revolution, she explains how general Lafayette introduced ice cream to the United States, and how soldiers in the Continental Army often went hungry due to supply shortages.

Once the meal is complete, Staib and Wolkow invite guests to join them for a tasting. These guests often include scholars, museum staff, and other experts in history or food. They discuss the flavors and textures of the dishes, as well as their cultural and historical significance. The guests also share their own knowledge and insights about the featured period or event, adding to the educational value of the show.

Overall, A Taste of History is an entertaining and educational show that combines cooking, history, and storytelling in a unique way. It offers viewers a window into the past through the lens of food, showing how cuisine has evolved over time and reflecting the cultural, social, and technological changes that have shaped our world. The show is well-produced, with high-quality visuals, clear audio, and engaging hosts. It is suitable for all audiences, from food lovers to history buffs, and is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.

A Taste of History is a series that is currently running and has 13 seasons (155 episodes). The series first aired on February 15, 2009.