Iron Age cookery workshop - 8th June 2019 10-4pm
Discover what kind of food, utensils and cooking techniques were available to our ancestors 2000 years ago. This workshop is led by Food Archaeologist Caroline Nicolay from Pario Gallico who studied Iron Age life and cuisine in France (at Nancy University and at the Denis Diderot IUP, Dijon) before adapting her research to specifically British finds, climate and culinary traditions.
The day will start with a short introduction to the concept of historical food and what information archaeology reveals about ancient diets. Participants will cook together a two - three course meal over a fire using period-accurate ingredients, replica utensils (cauldron, pots, knives) and techniques relevant to the end of the British Iron Age, just before the Roman conquest. Starting with managing a kitchen fire, preparing food with a historical knife and using clay cooking pots the participants will then share the meal they prepared for lunch before discovering a few techniques to wash the dishes ... the ancient way!
The aim will be to show (and taste) that far from the idea of bland porridge and watery gruel, Iron Age food was as complex or basic as a cook wanted, resulting in flavorful, nourishing and very varied menus.
There will be opportunities for open discussions, questions and/or short talks over lunch and at the end of the day. The participants are encouraged to work together to create one or two communal dishes, then have the possibility to experiment with ingredients to create and cook flat breads, cakes, butter etc to take home.
Accommodation is not included but if required it is available within the local area, some suggestions can be found on our 'local accommodation' page - please arrange this yourself. Refreshments are provided on the day. Lunch is cooked and shared as part of the workshop, though feel free to bring your own lunch or snacks if you like.
Toilet and classroom all easily accessible from the car park *Please bring your own containers / Tupperwares to take your creations home*. Attendees must be over 16.
ALLERGIES: Please make sure to let us know if you suffer from any food-related allergies or illnesses, and if you have any dietary requirements or personal preferences we should take into account. We will try our best to make this workshop accessible for all: if you worry or have any question, please don't hesitate to contact us.