Bakers Ingredients

Just as today, 18th Century bakers put a lot of importance on the type of ingredients they used for their bread recipes. Specific sources for water were identified, including water from rivers, fountains, wells or the collection of rain. Bakers from Gonesse, France said that rain water was best for its particular natural properties. Gonesse is in the northeastern suburbs of France, home of cuisine extraordinaire, about 10 miles from Paris. So, they ought to know!

These bakers said that you must use the "lightest of water, because it works itself better into the clumps of flour mixed with the leaven. Rain water makes the dough ferment and rise, because it is lighter than that of fountains or rivers." Now, I don't know about that, but in the 1700's, I guess it made sense.

Yeast, in those days, was always "brewer's yeast", which is a type of fungus (saccharomyces cervisiae), used to brew beer as well as bake some particular breads. This yeast was considered "artificial", as opposed to "old dough" that you actually reserved a portion of fully developed dough before shaping loaves of bread, and retaining it in a covered container to use in the next batch, and then the next. This is a starter, as it were, somewhat like the starters used in sour dough bread, where some portion is reserved for the next time one decides to bake.

Of course, many 18th Century bakers used beer in exchange for water in recipes. The 1771 Encyclopedia Britannica includes the following technique for bread making:

“The meal, ground and bolted, is put into a trough, and to every bushel are poured in about three pints of warm ale, with barm and salt to season it: this is kneaded well together with the hands through the brake; or for want thereof, with the feet, through a cloth; after which, having lain an hour to swell, it is moulded into manchets, which scorched in the middle, and pricked at the top, to give room to rise, are baked in the oven by a gentle fire.”

By the way, the Celts are rumored to have introduced beer into their dough for an airier loaf. This goes back to the Iron Age.



Another important baking ingredient is sugar, which was extremely expensive at the time, often called "white gold". In the 18th Century it was a product of the development of thousands of sugar plantations in South, Central and North America, giving rise to the African slave trade with over 12 million slaves shipped to various locations around the globe. The "sugarloaf" was the traditional form in which the refined sugar was distributed and sold until cubes were introduced in the 19th Century. A tall cone with rounded top was the shape, achieved when, at final boiling (for refining), the sugar was poured into large conical molds of earthenware or iron. The dark, molasses based sugar drained through the bottom of the mold, leaving the white to remain. When cool, the cones were wrapped in paper, and sold. To use, one had to chip away the sugar from the cone with tongs.


As they say, it's the quality of the ingredients that make for the best cuisine!

 

Wigged Out!

The other day, I saw a wonderful web site regarding paper cutting as an art form. And the most interesting pieces I found were the paper wigs. They were spectacular, and an homage to 18th Century wigs.

 

Wigs are head coverings made most generally from human or synthetic hair, worn for fashion or other reasons. The word "wig" stems from "periwig" which first came into the English language in 1675. Hair is an important vanity, and the loss of it can be devastating. Of course, if it is an accepted tradition, like in ancient Egypt, no one makes a fuss. Today, the acceptance of loss of hair because of medical treatments has fast become commonplace. People are not hiding under wigs, or kerchiefs, but once upon a time it was different. In fact, today the rather manly man losing his hair has taken to shaving his head completely. Fashion takes many forms!

In the 18th Century, men's wigs were powdered to appear "distinct". White was the attractive way to go. Women did not so much wear wigs, as they included additional, supplemental pieces of artificial hair attached to their own. From the 1770's onward, women powdered their own hair, with the fashionable color either grey or bluish grey. The powder was made from finely ground starch, scented with orange flower, lavender or orris root. 

Wigs became essential for men as part of court dress, or for magistrates or those of the legal profession, but by 1790 wigs were reserved for older people. In 1795, the British government put a tax on hair powder of one guinea per year. This caused the demise of the fashion!

As wigs and their maintenance could be costly, in the military, men grew their hair out, and wore it in pony tails, tied and greased, with a silk bag to cover the hair hanging on the back.  

In France, of course, the court of Versailles saw more elaborate do's, with large poofs and items weaved into the hair, but in response to the French Revolution, the fashion of the decadent court declined.

 

By the way, barristers in London still wear the small wig for heading into court. This goes for women and men, and they are not trying to cover their own locks. It's just part of the formality and tradition that goes along with the legal profession.

Magic Spells!

With the opening of Universal Studio Orlando's new theme park, Diagon Alley, there has been renewed interest in the boy wizard, Harry Potter. Diagon Alley, for those who do not know, is the wizard's ultimate shopping mall, where EVERYTHING needed for spells, potions, enchantments, school supplies, magical creatures, to name a few, can be found!

I just love Harry Potter. Those who know me well know that I have even named my home The Owlery! I loved the books and the movies (both read and seen many times over). So, recently, I was gifted another volume that has to do with HP! It's called Harry Potter and History, by Dr. Nancy R. Reagin, professor of history and women's and gender studies at Pace University in New York.

The book is a guide to the history behind the story, and Reagin explores true history in which Harry's world is rooted. One of the interesting bits at the beginning of the book is a timeline comparing real and wizard history.

Of course, the author of the HP books, J. K. Rowlings, must have spent a tremendous amount of time researching medieval history's accounts of witchcraft, of the use of spells and potions, astrology, astromomy, etc. and it shows. One of the reasons her books are so beloved is that they are deep, not shallow, accounts of witches and wizards. In reality, not only did they exist in common rural villages, but were employed by the royal courts and monarchs who counted on their "ability" to foretell the future, however that was done.

Last night, in my new book, I read a bit about a witch named Margaretha Wagner who lived in Marbach, Germany (shown above) in the 18th Century. The young girl was accused of a variety of magical practices, among them love charms that she said she learned from her grandmother. In 1740, she was accused of illicit sexual relationships with several young men, and further accused of using magic to seduce them. At first, she agreed to all the charges, and extending her story to include not only making potions, but flying to witch dances, using spells to make cows produce more milk, change weather, to name a few. The authorities were beside themselves, incredulous! Actually, she was quite clever, knowing that the authorities did not want to even accept that such things were possible. So she heaped them on, and eventually, to quiet a potential scandal of witchcraft in the area, they dismissed the case. Like magic, (!!!) she was released!

Another interesting account of wizardry comes from an 18th Century German magical text called the Clavis Inferni, or The Key of Hell. The manuscript was purchased from Sotheby's Auctions in March 1912. The title page is dated 1717, with information included about black and white magic and corresponding spells.

My book also mentions how J.K. Rowlings sets Harry, a present day boy, in an environment more akin to medieval or at least historic, space. Even though he could have had a computer at his desk, he is provided with parchment and quill to do his work. There IS something magical about that. A real letter is sent to him as an invitation to come to Hogwart's School, not an email or text. I believe that makes it special and uncommon, in our 21st Century world. Books are magical, as one turns the page to have the story revealed!  

The Key to Freedom

Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14, and so it is not too late to comment on it. In France it is known as La Fete Nationale, or national celebration. It marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille, formally known as the Bastille Saint-Antoine, was a fortress in Paris, used as a state prison by the kings of France.

Basically it serves as the "shot heard 'round the world" for the French people, fed up with the ill-treatment by the royals. Things had gotten so bad, that Louis XVI did meet with the Estates-General who represented the common man, to hear their grievances. There was hope for the drafting of a constitution, but it was not to be. By July 11, the finance minister who was sympathetic to the people, was dismissed, and the people stormed the fortress to gain ammunition and gunpowder to arm themselves against the monarchy. The Bastille also held political prisoners, and though only about seven inmates were confined, their release was symbolic.

Shortly after this event, on August 4th, feudalism was abolished, and on August 26, a declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was proclaimed.

An interesting bit is that the young Marquis de Lafayette quickly assumed a role in the Revolution. He was placed in command of the local national guard formed to keep order. The main key to the Bastille was given to him by angry citizens making a gesture of freedom. Lafayette was also optimistic about the American Revolution, and decided to ship the key to George Washington in March 1790. He entrusted the key to Thomas Paine, who in turn gave it to John Rutledge, Jr. to have the honor of handing it to Washington!

Made of cast iron and weighing in at only one pound, three ounces, it is a heavy symbol, indeed. Washington displayed it in the presidential household, then later in his home in Mount Vernon in his entry hall where it remains today.

 

Pub Town!

Last week I saw an article that I personally found heart-wrenching: the possible demise of the English pub. I cannot stand for it! How many good times I recall with family and friends at these local establishments, with all their quaint charm and friendly staff.

Well, the article read that these pubs are disappearing at an alarming rate, with hundreds closing each year because of changing economics, and lifestyle! In 1982 there were nearly 68,000 pubs across the UK, dropping now to less than 50,000. This is according to the British Beer and Pub Association, and they ought to know. Pubs are under threat because many owners finding it hard to keep the doors open, seek to convert them to other uses. One owner, who owns 14 pubs in London, says he likes to restore then, and find other business uses for them if need be, including office suites, retail shops. Shame on him! Ha Ha

Still, this is part of the free enterprise system, and if something doesn't work, you look for other alternatives. Real estate, especially in the city, is worth a lot. It's sad, because pubs have been rather a meeting ground, or living room, for area residents. If nothing is going on, you go down the pub, and you are sure to see someone you know to share a brew. If nothing else, there is the bartender, who knows everyone.

But also, people's lifestyles have changed, and the local Starbuck's or Costa Coffee cafes have become fixtures around town. Indeed, they don't serve beer, but who knows what's next for them as they evolve.

And, other posh establishments abound for those who can pay for a high-tone drink, and for those who can't, they go down to the local Sainsbury Market and buy a six-pack.

The pub goes back to medieval times as the public house, or alehouse, where travelers could stop, not only for food and drink, but a bed as well. Some of the earliest inns were run by monasteries for pilgrims. By the 18th Century, the term alehouse was changed to public house, and later taverns became coffee houses (which later became stock exchanges!). From the early 1800's, we find purpose-built public houses, and be the end of the century, they sported flamboyant interiors. Some of these interiors still exist today, stain glass windows, hand-carved bars, ornate chandeliers.  

     

The 18th Century also saw a huge growth in drinking establishments because of the production of gin. Gin was brought to England by the Dutch after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and the drink became extremely popular. By 1740, gin production increased six times to that of beer! The "gin craze" was on in full force!

Over half of the 15,000 water holes in London were gin shops. In attempts to stop the drunkenness and lawlessness, the Gin Act of 1736 imposed high taxes of retailers. This only led to street riots, so the act was abolished in 1742. The Gin Act of 1751 was more successful, forcing distillers to sell only to licensed retailers bringing these establishments under local jurisdiction. I'm leary when the government gets involved; I'm sure they were, too. But, along with drinking comes responsibility; a good time has some limits.
 

But the local pub is really a wonderful place. It is not the typical bar, but an extension of someone's home. I hope the article I read was a cautionary tale, and not something to be too concerned with. Above see the Morpeth Arms, across the street from my brother's place. Many a happy time spent there (with it's caves downstairs - the pub built over the site of the original Millbank prison! )

Boom!

The other day, we talked about the Independence Day, and I made mention of enjoying the perennial fireworks display.

Well, today, I look into the Music for the Royal Fireworks, a wind suite composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749. Contracted by King George II of Great Britian, it accompanied a fireworks display in London's Green Park on April 27th, to celebrate the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. The Treaty to end hostilities was signed in Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

The musicians performed in a special building constructed for the event by Servandoni, a theatre set designer. The fireworks were designed by Thomas Desguliers, son of a cleric/scientist. Though the fireworks display was not particularly successful, the music was extremely well-received.  The music had also been performed earlier as a full rehearsal in Vauxhall Gardens, with over 12,000 people turning out to take part, causing a tremendous, three-hour traffic jam of carriages. Sounds like one of today's concerts at the O2 Arena in London, or the MGM Grand Garden arena on the Las Vegas Strip.

Composed with five movements, the suite includes:

The Overture with adagio, allegro, lentement and allegro

the Bourree

the La Paix largo alla siciliana

The Rejouissance allegro

Menuets I and II

The instuments involved include 24 oboes, 12 bassoons, a contrabassoon, nine natural trumpets, nine natural horns, three pairs of kettledrums and side drums. The combination is most impressive, and remains one of classical music's best remembered pieces. Everybody loves the Fireworks music.

By the way, fireworks, or pyrotechnics, have a long history, beginning in China in the 7th Century. Over time, they have excited and delighted for cultural or religious celebrations. In the 17th Century, with the popularity of chinoiserie in Europe (the fascination of all things Oriental/Chinese), fireworks gained popularity, too, for special occasions. By Handel's time, the moment was right for a major spectacle and a major work, commissioned by the King, to be seen and heard by enthusiastic Londoners.

Click on the link to hear a bit below:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+handel+fireworks&qpvt=youtube+handel+fireworks&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9A4FD214BBD64AFB338C9A4FD214BBD64AFB338C

Up, Up and Away!

Over the weekend, I watched the wonderful HBO mini-series, John Adams. The story of the American Revolution is exciting and moving, and the character portrayals in the series are so vivid. You really get the sense that these were real people, with all their good and bad points, strengths, weaknesses, hopes and desires.

One of the scenes that caught my attention was the one in which Thomas Jefferson, Abigale and John Adams watch the ascent of a hot air balloon, joined by commoners and court members dressed in silks and satins, powdered wigs. Jefferson looks filled with hope; Adams is typically skeptical. The musical score, composed by Joseph Vitarelli, truly sets the tone of the scene. We are transported, we ascend as well. It's time to not only marvel along with the observers at this great event, but to get out the Kleenex box! Things will never be the same!

And so, the hot air balloon is the oldest, successful manned technology for flight! On November 21, 1783, the first manned and untethered flight was performed, carrying Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent d'Arlandes into the air above Versailles, with King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette watching along with everyone else. The balloon was built in December 1782 by the Montgolier Brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Etienne. The Montgolier family actually were paper manufacturers and their company still exists today.

The Chinese of ancient history actually utilized the concept of hot air to float lights in the air, about 250BC, and there were other attempts to lift small things, but nothing like an entire structure with passengers! The Montgolfiers first tried an unmanned flight, lasting 10 minutes, in September of 1783, a tethered manned flight achieved in October, but the climax was in November with the two men ascending, looking down on the crowd below, without a safety net, so to speak. Funny thing, but King Louis wanted to send a couple condemned criminals up for the test flight, but the idea soon sank, with de Rozier and d'Arlandes petitioning for the honor of being the first.

Take a look at the beauty of the scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB32OLW7suA

 

By the way, the first military use of the balloon was at the battle of Fleurus in Europe, 1794, the aircraft being used for an observation post!

Happy 4th of July!

I don't know where the time has gone, but here we are in July, ready to celebrate the 4th once again! There will be picnics and bbqs and beer and flags and cakes with red and blue berries. A relaxed long weekend for most.

The story of our American Independence generally stops with our declaration of independence from Britian in 1776. But truly, that was just the beginning. It's one thing to declare; it's another to commit for the long haul, to make it work, to keep the dream alive and make it a reality.

And so, the fight continued, actually until 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, signed by the new nation and the Brits. The United States took possession of practically all the territory east of the Mississippi river and south  of the Great Lake, and set up a representative government from the areas. There was much debate about a strong central government v. states rights. The strong central idea won out and the Articles of the Confederation with all the details was ratified in 1781. 

General Washington could not know that the Brits would not reopen hostilities! And, the French had departed, so the new country was on its own. The treasury was empty and unpaid soldiers were angry. With a coup d'état almost taking place, the Congress promised a five year bonus for all officers to keep from "abandoning the ship", so to speak. The war ended in 1783, with a period of prosperity, and peace across the globe. The national government still operated under the Articles, until the Constitution was put into effect in 1789.

As they say, "nothing good comes easily", or "all good things come to those who wait", and so with the USA.

Let's hope that we never take for granted the glorious idea, the hard fight for, and the precious guardianship it takes to keep our freedom alive. And let us not wave our flags this 4th as pretty, festive decoration, but as the treasured symbol that it truly is!

Man of the Woods

The other night I was talking with a friend about plans for the Fourth of July. A group of us are celebrating together, all bringing something to the potluck. My friend is preparing a cheese board for the celebration. Thinking the French helped the American Revolutionaries, he wants to include a French selection or two among the cheeses! I wholeheartedly agreed. The French did help the Continental Army; I think they deserve a bit of an homage.

We got to talking about General Lafayette who served as a major-general in the Continental Army under George Washington. We were trying to recall the name of the French Naval commander who helped the Franco-American alliance.

Well, his name is Louis Gillouet, Comte d'Orvilliers. Living from 1708-1792, he was a French admiral, born in Moulins, Allier, spending his childhood in Cayenne, capital of French Guiana where his father was governor.

In 1723, he joined the colony's infantry regiment, and rose to rank of Lieutenant. In 1728, he transferred to the Navy and by 1759 he was a Captain, commanding ships sailing to Minorca. He was promoted to Vice Admiral in 1764. In 1777, the French began helping the American colonies in their fight for independence. d'Orvilliers was appointed Lieutenant General of the Navy, and went after the Brits. His greatest victory was at the Battle of Ushant (1778) fending off the English fleet. He later led an unsuccessful raid on Portsmouth and Plymouth in England, and was berated for not making better use of his forces. He resigned his command! So French, isn't it?!

His name comes from the Breton language, a form of Celtic, meaning "man from the woods".