Eating with the Tudors is an extensive collection of authentic Tudor recipes that tell the story of a dramatically changing world in sixteenth-century England. This book highlights how religion, reformation and politics influenced what was served on a Tudor’s dining table from the very beginning of Henry VII’s reign to the final days of Elizabeth I’s rule.

Discover interesting little food snippets from Tudor society, carefully researched from household account books, manuscripts, letters, wills, diaries and varied works by Tudor physicians, herbalists and chronologists. Find out about the Tudor’s obsession with food and uncover which key ingredients were the most popular choice. Rediscover old Tudor favourites that once again are being celebrated in trendy restaurants and learn about the new, exotic food that excited and those foods that failed to meet the Elizabethan expectations.

Eating with the Tudors explains the whole concept of what a healthy balanced meal meant to the people of Tudor England and the significance and symbology of certain food and its availability throughout the year. Gain an insight into the world of Tudor food, its role to establish class, belonging and status and be tempted to re-create some iconic Tudor flavours and experience for yourself the many varied and delicious seasonal tastes that Tudor dishes have to offer. Spice up your culinary habits and step back in time to recreate a true Tudor feast by impressing your guests the Tudor way or prepare a New Year’s culinary gift fit for a Tudor monarch.

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While I am late to the reviewing party, I can assure you I read this book as soon as I could get hold of a copy, just like many others. Brigitte Webster has created a true gem with Eating with the Tudors, a journey into the culinary world of Tudor England, presenting a rich tapestry of recipes and rituals that defined dining in the 16th century. This book not only provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into the flavours and ingredients of the era but also allows a reader to understand the social, cultural, and historical context in which Tudor food was enjoyed.

Eating with the Tudors begins by setting the scene, a picture of Tudor life and society. With meticulous attention to detail, the author describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the Tudor kitchen, as well as the social hierarchies that governed dining etiquette. Through engaging storytelling and historical anecdotes, the book immerses readers in the vibrant world of Tudor gastronomy. Central to the book are the recipes themselves, and Webster presents a wide array of dishes, from hearty stews and pies to delicate desserts and confections. Each recipe is accompanied by detailed instructions, as well as historical notes that provide insights into the origins and significance of the dish. You too can make sweetmeats like Elizabeth gave to Robert Dudley, if you so fancy.

One of the book’s most intriguing aspects is its exploration of Tudor dining customs and rituals. Webster delves into the elaborate feasts and banquets that were a hallmark of Tudor court life, as well as the rituals surrounding everyday meals in noble and common households alike. Through descriptions of table settings, serving practices, and entertainment, the author paints a vivid picture of the social significance of dining in Tudor England. But the book is no boring academic list of info, you get all you need and nothing you don’t, insight and tasty ideas all in one. The book is accompanied by a banquet of photos to give you a visual insight into the tastiness of the era.

Eating with the Tudors is already a much-loved feast for the senses and the intellect. Bridgette Webster’s blend of historical scholarship and culinary expertise makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in Tudor history, gastronomy, or the intersection of food and culture. Whether you’re a food enthusiast looking for new recipes to try or a history buff eager to learn more about life in the 16th century, this book is sure to satisfy your appetite.

(excuse my lazy food puns)

Eating with the Tudors is available from Pen & Sword