Ep 3. Let Freedom Ring

A Taste of History season 5 episode 3 is named Let Freedom Ring. This episode is all about how George Washington and his troops celebrated Christmas during the Revolutionary War. The host, Chef Walter Staib, visits Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania, where he prepares a festive Christmas dinner for the reenactors who are portraying Washington and his troops.

Chef Walter Staib starts off by exploring the history of Christmas in America during the 18th century. He explains that Christmas was not always a major holiday in America, as many of the early settlers were Puritans who did not celebrate Christmas. However, as time went on, Christmas became more popular, and by the 18th century, it was a major holiday in America.

Chef Staib then visits the Johnson Ferry House, which was used by Washington as a headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Here, he meets with some of the reenactors who are portraying Washington and his troops. Chef Staib explains how Washington and his troops celebrated Christmas during the Revolutionary War. Despite the difficult conditions, Washington made sure that his troops had a festive Christmas. He ordered extra rations for his men, including meat, bread, and rum, and he even allowed his troops to take a day off from training.

After visiting the Johnson Ferry House, Chef Staib returns to his kitchen to prepare a Christmas dinner for the reenactors. He starts by making a traditional 18th-century eggnog, which includes eggs, cream, sugar, and nutmeg. He then prepares a roasted leg of lamb, which is marinated in red wine and served with a gravy made from the lamb drippings. For a side dish, Chef Staib makes a scalloped oyster dish, which includes fresh oysters, bread crumbs, and butter. Finally, for dessert, Chef Staib prepares a traditional plum pudding, which is a steamed cake made with dried fruit and spices.

As Chef Staib prepares the meal, he explains the history of each dish and how it was prepared during the 18th century. He also provides tips on how viewers can recreate these dishes in their own kitchens. Once the meal is complete, Chef Staib joins the reenactors for a festive Christmas dinner in the Johnson Ferry House.

Overall, A Taste of History season 5 episode 3 is a fascinating look at how George Washington and his troops celebrated Christmas during the Revolutionary War. Chef Walter Staib does an excellent job of exploring the history of Christmas in America and providing an authentic 18th-century feast for the reenactors. This episode is sure to appeal to history buffs and foodies alike.