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In a Medieval Kitchen...
Infinity Symbolism
During the Middle Ages these Love Knot figure eights were commonly worn around
the wrist, or hung above the sleeping location.
They're commonly associated with the symbol of Infinity, and symbolize endless
love when given to a loved one whether it be a child, or partner.
In appearance they are very similar to gold when cooked, and some of those who
could afford such luxury.
In medieval times, gold was often seen as beneficial for the health, in the
belief that something that rare and beautiful could not be anything but
healthy, and while gold salt can be used for medieval purposes gold itself is
inert to most chemicals so doesn't do anything for or to the body. |
This Day in Medieval History
3rd February
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1014: Death of King Sweyn I of Denmark In the long-running Wars of the
Roses, a previous battle had taken place at Saint Albans nearly six years
earlier, a very brief incident that gave Richard, Duke of York, the upper hand
in the conflict. But soon the opposition rose once more and war broke out
again in 1459.
The Duke had been dead some time when Henry's indomitable Queen Margaret
and York's son Edward both sought to capture London. It was Richard
Neville, Earl of Warwick, who met the queen at Saint Albans, but he lost the
battle, leaving his prisoner, King Henry VI, to Margaret's forces.
Margaret made a grave error when she allowed her forces to pillage the town
and Abbey of Saint Albans. The people of London, hearing of this behaviour,
sent her a message saying she would not be welcome unless she could guarantee
that her troops would not so mistreat Londoners. While Margaret thought this
over, Edward York and Richard Neville entered London, where York soon was
crowned King Edward IV.
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Quotations in History
"For this was on Seynt Valentynes' day
Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate."
Geoffrey Chaucer, circa fourteenth centaury
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"Love Knots"
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Yields 12~14
● 1 cup Butter
● 1 cup Sugar
● 1 Egg yolk
● 2 Eggs
● 1/4 cup Sour Cream
● Yellow food colouring
● 2 1/2 cups Flour
● 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
● Yellow sugar sprinkles |
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Preparation & Cooking:
Before starting if your using a slow oven it may be useful to start preheating
to 375 degrees F now.
Sift the flour thoroughly while letting the butter soften at room temperature,
leaving the flour to one side afterwards.
Mix the softened butter and sugar together, and cream until fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolk, eggs, sour cream and yellow food colouring to the mixture.
Add flour and stir thoroughly, adding more flour if the mixture becomes too
sticky.
Mix in Lemon Rind then mould the complete mixture until a fine dough, adding
more flour if necessary if too sticky.
Shape the dough into ropes about 1/2 inch in diameter and 12 inches long, and
twist these into figure 8s.
Place the twists on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes.
About halfway through the cooking, "gild" with yellow sprinkles.
Source:
wf-f.org - Valentines Day
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