Ep 2. Heston's Medieval Feast

Heston's Feasts is a British cooking show which follows the culinary adventures of chef Heston Blumenthal. In season 1 episode 2, entitled "Heston's Medieval Feast," Heston is transported back in time to recreate a grand medieval banquet fit for royalty. With the help of historians and food experts, Heston will explore the customs and traditions of the era, learning how food and dining were perceived during the Middle Ages.

The episode begins with Heston donning a suit of armor and riding a horse to a medieval castle. Once there, he meets with historians who explain the customs and traditions of a medieval banquet. Heston learns that food and dining were very important to the medieval aristocracy, and that a feast was about more than just sustenance - it was a way to display wealth, power, and status.

Heston then sets to work creating a menu fit for royalty. He begins by visiting a farm where they still use traditional methods to raise pigs for meat. Heston is fascinated by the techniques used, which include feeding the pigs acorns and allowing them to roam freely in the forest. Heston also visits a bakery to learn how to make bread the way it was done in the Middle Ages.

Back at the castle, Heston begins to prepare the feast. He creates a variety of dishes, including roasted boar, venison stew, and a dessert made from fresh fruit and honey. Throughout the preparation process, Heston is careful to use only ingredients and methods that would have been available during the Middle Ages. For example, rather than using modern utensils or appliances, Heston opts for more traditional techniques, such as roasting meat over an open fire.

As the feast approaches, Heston begins to feel the pressure of preparing such an important meal. He worries that he won't be able to recreate the grandeur of a true medieval banquet, but remains determined to do his best.

Finally, the banquet begins, and Heston is amazed by the opulence of the dining hall. The guests, all dressed in period clothing, are equally impressed with the food and presentation. Heston takes great care to explain the history and significance of each dish, and the guests eagerly devour everything that is served.

Throughout the meal, Heston reflects on the experience and what he has learned about food and dining in the Middle Ages. He realizes that while much has changed since then, the importance of food and community remains the same. In the end, Heston successfully recreates a grand medieval feast, and his guests leave feeling both sated and enriched by the experience.