Cooking Across the Ages Season 1 Episode 6 Medieval France's Touch for Sugar and Spice

As we travel through the ages, we arrive at Medieval France, a time of great culinary innovation. Cooking Across the Ages is back with its sixth episode of season 1, presenting the medieval era's culinary delight in France, "Medieval France's Touch for Sugar and Spice."

With Chef Thomas at the helm, we delve into the magnificent culture of medieval French cuisine. The episode takes us through a journey of unique spices and herbs that were integral to the dishes of the medieval era.

Starting with the appetizer, Chef Thomas introduces us to the "Mushroom and Sage Puffs." The delicate dish boasts a crispy shell that envelopes the rich filling of mushroom and the pungent taste of sage. As we watch the dish come together, we learn about the importance of sage in medieval cuisine. Chef Thomas enlightens us on how sage grows in arid climates, enhancing the dish's flavors in the dry months.

For the main course, Chef Thomas presents a dish that was prevalent during the medieval era, the "Peppered Beef Tenderloin." The dish was infused with mixed spice and herbs, consisting of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Chef Thomas educates us on the mixed spice's importance, which was called "quatre épices" during the medieval era. The appropriate ratios of spices were crucial as they presented a blend of flavors that would awaken the palate. The dish was then enveloped in a rich sauce, consisting of red wine and the "spice of kings," saffron.

As we take a bite, the flavors transport us to a time where the royal palate savored these delicate flavors. Chef Thomas experiences how medieval chefs cooked their dishes, using fresh herbs and spices that were found in the kitchen's garden. The episode presents an engaging tale of medieval times, which leave us in awe of the legacy of French cuisine.

For dessert, Chef presents his take on "Poached Pears." Chef's recipe involves poaching the pears in a syrup made of honey, rosemary, and white wine. The dish was enjoyed by the French nobility and was considered a delicacy of the time. Chef Thomas enlightens us on the importance of honey in medieval cooking, representing sweetness and wealth. Honey and sugar were highly valued during the medieval period and were used lavishly to show off the elite status.

As the episode concludes, Chef Thomas reminds us that medieval French cuisine was known for its complex and unique flavors, which still captivate food lovers. The spices and herbs, even today, are integral to most French dishes, showcasing their long-standing legacy.

"Medieval France's Touch for Sugar and Spice," is a perfect depiction of the culinary revolution that occurred during the medieval period in France. Chef Thomas's episode educates us on the significance of herbs and spices in the medieval era and how they are still relevant in modern-day French cuisine. Cooking Across the Ages Season 1, Episode 6 is a fascinating watch and takes us on a journey of discovery, unlocking the essence of French culinary excellence.