At Christmas We Feast: Festive Food Through the Ages

The book "At Christmas We Feast" explores the evolution of Christmas food, from the gluttonous banquets of the past to the festive meal of today. It is filled with classic recipes, history, and tradition, and sprinkled with the joy of Christmas past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Christmas is a time for joy and indulgence, and for many, it wouldn't be complete without a turkey and all the trimmings. However, it's interesting to note that this wasn't always the case. In the past, Christmas feasts were much more extravagant, featuring boar's head and brawn as the main attractions. But how did we transition from these lavish banquets to the Christmas food we enjoy today?

Historian Annie Gray has delved into the evolution of our festive meal, tracing the journey from the birth of the twelve-day celebration under Edward I to the restoration of holiday splendour under Victoria and the present day. Organized by festive dish and illustrated throughout, "At Christmas We Feast" is a delectable trip through time, stuffed full of classic recipes, doused with history and tradition, and sprinkled with the joy of the feasts of Christmas past.

Under Edward I, the twelve-day celebration of Christmas began to take shape. This was a time of feasting and revelry, with people coming together to celebrate the birth of Christ. The feasts were lavish and extravagant, with dishes such as roasted boar's head and brawn being served. However, as time passed, these feasts became less popular, and the focus shifted towards more modest celebrations.

It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that Christmas began to regain its grandeur. The queen was a keen advocate of the holiday, and she encouraged people to celebrate it in style. She organized lavish banquets and parties, featuring dishes such as turkey and plum pudding. These banquets became known as "Victorian Christmas feasts," and they were a symbol of the wealth and power of the British Empire.

Over time, the Christmas food we enjoy today has evolved. The turkey has become a staple, and it is now served in many different ways, from roasted to smoked to stuffed. Other popular dishes include roast beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and Christmas pudding. These dishes have been passed down through generations and have become part of the cultural tradition of Christmas.

In addition to the food, Christmas has also become associated with other traditions, such as caroling, gift-giving, and decorating. These traditions have evolved over time, but they remain an important part of the holiday season.

Overall, the evolution of Christmas food has been a fascinating journey. From the extravagant banquets of the past to the modest celebrations of today, Christmas feasts have come a long way. And while the dishes may have changed, the joy and tradition of the holiday remain the same. So, as you enjoy your Christmas feast this year, take a moment to appreciate the history and tradition that have shaped the food we enjoy today.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788168205
Edition number: Main