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Summer Feasts or Famine
“The rhythm of the land teaches more than books.” –Medieval Proverb Summer Feasts and Famine Feast Day of St Santiago July 25, 1339 Figs, Alentjano Ham with Mustard Vinaigrette Braise Capon with Stewed Olives Fava Beans with Goat Cheese Semolina Cake and Strawberries
The Fox
Jun 201 min read


Doused Apricots served with La Tur Cheese
La Tur is a cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made with a blend of cow, sheep, and goat milk. Soft, creamy cheese adds the satisfying finish to these sweet tart apricots. This recipe works well with any stone fruit. Stone fruit is a fruit that has a hard seed in the center like, cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots-all excellent. One of my favorites is apricots for the subtle tart flavor and beautiful color. The wine adds a delicious aroma. Pick a favorite wh
The Fox
Jun 191 min read


Pea Soup
In coastal regions peas can be planted in February and will give you food until late September Serves 6 This is a fast, one pot dinner with some crusty bread. 1 tsp olive oil 1 large onion, sliced 3 cups chicken broth 1 tsp. tarragon, minced 1/2 tsp salt dash black pepper 1 1/2 cup fresh peas 1/4 cup sour plain yogurt 1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the chicken broth, tarragon, and bri
The Fox
Jun 171 min read


Portugal the Crossroads of Trade
The cultural history of Portugal is reflected in every plate served today. The Iberian Peninsula is on the southwestern edge of Europe bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Spain to the east and north. Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with relatively mild seasonal variations, creating ideal conditions for people, agriculture, and food production. The Portuguese people were profoundly influenced by the Romans, whose legacy shaped many aspects of daily life. At
The Fox
Jun 142 min read


Honey Almond Cake
I recommend Fonseca 20-Year-Old Tawny Port The Honey Almond Cake pairs especially well with this aged tawny port which gives a good balance with the almonds. Stay away from Ruby Ports here since they seem to clash with the sweetness. 20 Year Old Tawny - Fonseca Porto This a link to learn more about this wine selection. Make the Cake 1½ cups all-purpose flour 2 ¼ tsp baking powder ¾ tsp salt ½ cup butter, softened 1/3 cup sugar 1 lemon, zested (use the juice and have a cup o
The Fox
Jun 131 min read


Iced Wine with Fruit aka Sangria
Early Peaches from the Farmers Market-Virginia Beach 2026 © Serves 4 1 bottle Pinot Grigio White Wine or Prosecco ½ cup peach schnapps 1 knob fresh ginger, grated ½ cup sugar 2 cups peaches, sliced 15 basil leaves Ice 1. In a pitcher combine the wine, peach schnapps, ginger , and sugar and mix well. 2. Chill for at least 1 hour. 3. Add peaches, basil, and ice. 4. Serve in chilled glasses. © 2026 Crown & Cabbage Provisions. All Rights Reserved.
The Fox
Jun 131 min read


Anisette Cookies
These classic butter cookies are enhanced with the spicy, herbal warmth of anise seed. © 2026 Crown & Cabbage Provisions. All Rights Reserved I use a fish shaped cookie cutter to represent St. Anthony the patron saint of fishermen. You can use any shape cookie cutter. The warm herbal taste balances the rich buttery taste. The anise seed dots make these cookies a fun and easy ending for a summer meal. 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup unsalted
The Fox
Jun 101 min read


Summer Feast on June 13th
The Summer Festival that has been celebrated since 1232.
The Fox
Jun 101 min read


Semolina Cake with Strawberries
Rosewater was introduced to cooking through the Islamic trading routes. It was a rare pleasure for very special occasions.
The Fox
Jun 101 min read


Beltane Celebration of Celtic Heritage
Bright Fire + First Day of Spring + May Day These recipes are inspired by the ancient festival of Beltane, a Celtic celebration dating back to the 10th century and beyond. Marking the arrival of summer, Beltane was a time when herds were driven to fresh pastures and communities gathered to celebrate the season's abundance. Nearly all of the ingredients featured in these dishes would have been available in Eriu (medieval Ireland) during the spring months, with the notable e
The Fox
Jun 71 min read


Olive and Fennel Rolls
© 2026 Crown & Cabbage Provisions. All Rights Reserved. Servings: 12 Rolls Ingredients ½ cup Green Olives 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil 5 sprigs Parsley 1 tsp. Fennel Seeds, crushed ¼ tsp. Black Pepper 1/3 cup warm (105-115º F) Water 1 packet of Yeast 3 ½ cups Bread Flour 2 ¼ tsp. Salt 1 ¼ cup warm (105-115º F) Water 1 Egg, to make egg wash Puree olives, olive oil, and parsley together. Add crushed fennel seeds, and black pepper, set aside. Sprinkle yeast into 1/3 cup warm water, mix
The Fox
Jun 11 min read


Explore Medieval Portugal with Catherine Mathis
A Historical Reading Resource from The Crown & Cabbage Provisions Medieval Portugal is a world of royal courts, political intrigue, pilgrimage roads, fortified castles, and kitchens scented with garlic, herbs, bread, and wine. For readers who want to step deeper into this fascinating period, historical fiction can bring the medieval past vividly to life. One compelling doorway into Portugal’s medieval history is the story of Inês de Castro — one of the most famous and tragic
The Fox
May 311 min read


Medieval Food and the Foods They Never Knew
A vibrant display of Portugal's modern foods that were not available in medieval times. This is a Chat GPT generated picture. © 2026 Crown & Cabbage Provisions. All Rights Reserved. Around 1300 CE When we imagine Portuguese food, many dishes immediately come to mind: tomato-rich stews, potatoes beside roasted meats, peppers seasoning soups, and sweet pastries flavored with chocolate or vanilla. Yet if you traveled back to Portugal around the year 1300, much of what fills mode
The Fox
May 314 min read


Historical Food Research: Recipes Through the Ages
Food is more than just sustenance; it is a reflection of culture, history, and the evolution of society. Throughout the ages, recipes have been passed down, adapted, and transformed, telling stories of the people who created them. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating journey of recipes through history, examining how they have changed over time and what they reveal about the societies that produced them. The Origins of Cooking Cooking dates back to prehistoric ti
The Fox
May 284 min read


What Did European's Eat in the 13ooth Century
Medieval cuisine is a fascinating blend of flavors, techniques, and ingredients that reflect the culture and history of the time. If you are looking to recreate authentic medieval dishes, understanding the key ingredients used during this period is essential. This blog post will explore the top medieval ingredients that can elevate your cooking and transport you back to the Middle Ages. Close-up view of a wooden table filled with medieval herbs and spices Common Diets in the
The Fox
May 285 min read


Exploring Medieval Recipes: A Culinary Journey
The culinary world is rich with history, and few periods are as fascinating as medieval times. The food of this time reflects the social structures, geography, and food availability of the era. From porridge to the spice trade, medieval recipes offer a glimpse into the daily lives of our ancestors, long ago. The Historical Context of Medieval Cuisine Understanding medieval recipes requires a look at the historical context. The Middle Ages, spanning from the 5th to the late 1
The Fox
May 284 min read
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