Stepping Back Into the Middle Ages

History. 

I despised history when I was in school.

I didn't see the point. 

I didn't care about what happened in the past.

I didn't make the connections.

Now I am fascinated with history.

 I am not concerned too much with dates, but instead with events and ideas, and how they changed life and culture. 

I love digging up stories of people who show integrity during trying times. 

I want to experience history.

There are a lot of amazing resources that bring history to life!

Last night we stepped back into a piece of history -- and we ate medieval-style! We did our best to replicate foods and traditions that were customary to the time. I did use our oven to bake, although Emily protested. She thought we should cook over a fire. I stood my ground on this one. Not willing to give up all of our modern conveniences.

Typical place setting. Notice anything missing? That's right -- no forks. And, what is that in place of a plate? It is a trencher. Basically, stale bread was used as plates, and then thrown out to the peasants or beggars. (We threw ours out to the dog.)

This is our "mock" mead. Mead was an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey and water. Ours was not fermented, and was popular with the adults, but not with the youngsters. This was good at room temperature, but even better warmed as morning tea!!!

A spinach pastry. Also, popular with the adults, but the kids were not wild about it.

Four of us dressed in costume, although by the time photos were taken, Eli had disposed of his cape and crown. (He is NOT big on costumes!)

Baked pears. These were delicious. Baked pears, lightly seasoned with cinnamon! MMMMMMM!

We also ate cornish hens and a macaroni dish, and Emily's homemade braided bread (http://morebutlersnapshots.blogspot.com/2015/02/knead-braid-bake.html) finished off our menu! Everyone left the table full and content!

Hopefully, this was a fun way for the girls make a connection to the time period. After all, it isn't every day your mom has you eat on a piece of stale bread, and encourages you to eat with your fingers!