Royal Recipes Season 1 Episode 4 Birthdays
- January 26, 2017
In the fourth episode of Royal Recipes, titled "Birthdays," the cooks and chefs are busy creating tasty treats for the celebrations of both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the history of royal birthday celebrations and the delicious food that has been associated with them through the centuries.
The show starts with host Michael Buerk introducing viewers to the Royal Kitchen at Hampton Court Palace, where the head chef and his team are in the midst of preparing a feast fit for a king.
The first royal birthday we learn about is that of King Henry VIII, who was born on June 28th, 1491. The team creates a menu inspired by Henry's love of hunting, featuring dishes such as roasted venison and a rich sauce made with wild boar and juniper berries. We also learn about the Medieval tradition of "cry cri," where the kitchen staff would cry out the name of the dish they were cooking to let everyone know what was on the menu.
Next, we move forward in time to the reign of Queen Victoria, who was known for her simple tastes when it came to food. The kitchen team creates a traditional English trifle, one of Victoria's favorite desserts, as well as a savory dish of chicken and mushroom pie. We also learn about the Victorian tradition of serving frozen desserts, which became possible with the invention of ice cream machines.
The focus then shifts to the present day, as the team prepares for Queen Elizabeth II's birthday celebrations. We learn about the Queen's love of chocolate and the special royal chocolate biscuit cake that is always included in her birthday menu. The team puts their own spin on the recipe, adding some modern twists such as orange zest and pistachios.
Throughout the episode, we also get glimpses into the history of royal entertaining, from the elaborate masques of the Tudor period to the more relaxed gatherings of the modern royal family. We learn about the extravagant birthday party thrown by King Louis XIV of France, which included a meal with over 120 dishes, and we see examples of the beautiful silverware and china used by the royals over the years.
The episode culminates in a grand feast, where the kitchen team presents their delicious creations to guests in the stunning surroundings of Hampton Court Palace. Viewers will be left feeling both hungry and inspired by the rich history and delicious food featured in this episode.
Overall, "Birthdays" is a fascinating look at the world of royal cuisine, showcasing the skill and creativity of the kitchen staff as well as the traditions and history behind some of our favorite dishes. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or simply curious about the world of the royals, this episode is sure to satisfy.
