The first of my faux-medieval items is a Rye and Whole-Wheat Bread, which arose as the result of medieval Britons growing rye and wheat as a mixed crop called maslin.* I've decided to go the ahistorical route and bake the bread in my bread machine. Also, people in the Middle Ages didn't have instant yeast. Or lots of other fun things like the internet...and sanitation.
Despite looking like a brick and having a rather heavy crumb (which I suppose makes it seem more medieval), Maslin Bread has a pleasing taste--it's a teeny bit sweet from the honey and the rye flour gives it depth of flavor without it actually tasting like a rye bread. I like how easy it is to make and the fact that it makes me feel all virtuous because it's whole grain. There's no reason why you couldn't make this without a bread machine, if you don't have one, but I haven't tried it myself because I love being able to throw all the ingredients in a machine and press a button. I've given instructions for the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme, because that's the machine I have. It makes a 2-lb loaf.
Maslin Bread
Despite taking two semesters of art history, I just discovered pre-Raphaelite Frank Cadogan Cowper! Where has he been all my life? His paintings are gorgeous. Put on the kettle (those poor people in the Middle Ages didn't have tea either!), butter a slice of Maslin Bread and enjoy.
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| Lancelot Slays the Caitiff Knight Sir Tarquin |
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| Vanity |
I think the previous painting and this one are a little more Renaissance than medieval, but they're so darn pretty.
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| Venetian Ladies Listening to the Seranade |
This one's also not terribly medieval, but there is a knight with very pointy armor-shoes. And poppies! I love poppies!
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| La Belle dame sans merci |
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This recipe is going to this month's Monthly Mingle!
Kulsum at Journey Kitchen is hosting this month's Monthly Mingle.
Monthly Mingle was created by Meeta at What's for Lunch, Honey?
*Laura Mason, The National Trust Farmhouse Cookbook (London: National Trust Books, 2009), 204.
I always learn a tidbit or two stopping in to visit you! Maslin??? Never heard of it. Cadogen-Cowper? New to me, too...but fabulous paintings! Happy Tuesday~
ReplyDeleteLizzy is right, always learning new things here!
ReplyDeleteI love the paintings- what beautiful ladies and the colors are so vivid.
I don't have a bread maker but bread is one of my favorite things to make. I love how you've described this bread- the sweetness from the honey makes this sound especially delicious.
I've been meaning to tell you, I love your new title- it's perfect!!
I would love to try an make bread, and anything with honey involved is always good, gorgeous paintings!
ReplyDeleteI love baking and baking of bread is... I can't find the word... classic! Yes.
ReplyDeletePre-Raphaelite Art is very nice... I like the Vanity.
The paintings are gorgeous - such vivid color! (He's new to me, too. We'll have to check with your dad to see if he's familar with him.) I'm so glad you still love your bread machine. Sometimes machines that seem really cool just aren't that great when you get them! This one seems wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBread and art - what could be better? Not much. Love Cowper's paingings. Though at first you meant the poet. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of the Pre-Raphaelites too.
those paintings are really amazing!!! and that bread look delicious :)
ReplyDeletekatslovefashion.blogspot.com
Looks yummy as usual, I 'd like a couple of slices of that bread. Oven fresh with melting butter. Yes, with a nice cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteI'm also jealous of your art history semesters. Wish I would've done that.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like all those poppies are helping "La Belle" drug Mr. Knight.
this bread seems delicious. and I love the pre raphaelites it one of my favourite pictural trends :)
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