Ep 1. Martha Washington Won the War

In the premiere episode of A Taste of History season 1, titled "Martha Washington Won the War," we are taken on a journey through history and cuisine. Host and chef Walter Staib takes us back to the revolutionary era and explores the role of food in the war for independence.

Staib begins by discussing the scarcity of food during the war and its importance to the soldiers. He notes that the British army was well-fed, while American soldiers often went hungry. This led to Washington and his troops having to rely heavily on foraging for food and supplies.

Next, Staib introduces us to the culinary world of Martha Washington. He notes that Martha was a skilled and innovative cook who used food as a way to bring people together and boost morale during the war. She was also known for her dedication to the troops and made it a priority to ensure that they were well-fed and cared for.

Throughout the episode, Staib prepares dishes inspired by Martha Washington's recipes, including succotash, Virginia ham with red-eye gravy, and Martha's famous chicken fricassee. He explains the history behind each dish and the role it played in the war effort.

In addition to discussing food, Staib also delves into the lives of important figures from the revolution, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. He shares anecdotes and stories about their relationships with food and how it impacted their roles in the war.

Overall, "Martha Washington Won the War" is an engaging and informative look at the intersection of history and cuisine. Staib's enthusiasm for the subject is infectious, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the importance of food in wartime.