Historical Recipe Project: Raspberry Shrub

As part of our historical recipe project, our Assistant Manager of Communications Caitlin Coleman brought in raspberry shrub, a fruit and vinegar syrup that is used to make refreshing beverages! Since we were sampling this recipe before a long weekend, we decided to try our hand at cocktails, and used the raspberry shrub to make some simple gin […]

Historical Recipe Project: Dolly Varden Cake

Dolly Varden Cake Historical Recipe Project cultural heritage Caitlin Coleman

As part of our historical recipe project, our Assistant Manager of Communications Caitlin Coleman brought in Dolly Varden cake! This cake is named after a Charles Dickens character who became a popular craze in the mid nineteenth century [line] Dolly Varden is a Charles Dickens character from his historical novel, Barnaby Rudge, which was set during eighteenth century anti-Catholic […]

Historical Recipe Project: Sweet Macaroni Pudding

Macaroni pudding made from a historical recipe cultural history recreation Alexis Dunlop

As part of our historical recipe project, our Lab Manager Alexis Dunlop brought in sweet macaroni pudding! The transition of pasta from a sweet to uniquely savoury ingredient provides a fascinating insight into how our tastes and expectations have changed over time. [line]   In Anne Yentsch’s article Applying Concepts from Historical Archaeology to New England’s Nineteenth-Century […]

Historical Recipe Project: Scottish (Canadian) Oatcakes

Scottish Oatcakes made by Rob MacDonald for our historical recipe tasting

As part of our new historical recipe project, our Managing Partner Rob MacDonald brought in his signature Scottish Oatcakes! He has a personal connection to these delicious treats, and he also delved into the fascinating history of the oatcake below. [line] Oats (Avena sativa), a cereal grain which was domesticated in the Fertile Crescent area of the Near […]