The Surprising Origins of Junk Food in Medieval Europe

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What was the primary problem with cooking without a hearth?

Filling the home with smoke or burning the dwellings to the ground.

What type of experience did cook shops offer to customers?

A stroll-through experience.

What was the secret to the success of Bristol's cook shops?

The strategic use of enticing smells to attract customers.

What was the most popular item sold at cook shops?

Meat pies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the dark side of Mrs. Lovett's signature dish?

Spoiled meat. Signup and view all the answers

How did bakers contribute to the development of medieval fast food?

By offering to wrap customer-brought meat in bread and baking it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of serving soup and stews in bread bowls, or trenchers?

To bulk up a meal and reduce the need for dishes. Signup and view all the answers

What three ingredients were combined to create soft pretzels in medieval Europe?

Water, flour, and salt Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of soft pretzels during the Catholic fasting period of Lent?

They were a substitute for animal products and were distributed to kids and the poor by monks. Signup and view all the answers

Why did medieval Europeans drink alcohol during Lent?

To fill the gap in their diets due to not eating meat. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'mock egg' dish invented during Lent?

A dish made with almond milk, jelly, and crunchy almonds, dyed yellow and served with ale. Signup and view all the answers

Why was sugar a rare commodity during medieval times?

It was expensive and only available to those who could afford it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the original form of funnel cakes in medieval times?

Fried cakes called crisps, topped with sugar. Signup and view all the answers

What was the original form of waffles in ancient Greece?

Flat cakes cooked between two plates, known as Obelios. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Catholic church create that typically depicted biblical scenes?

flour waffle wafers Signup and view all the answers

What three ingredients were combined to create a more recognizable version of waffle batter in Europe?

cinnamon, honey, and cream Signup and view all the answers

Who invented the famous grid patterns that transformed waffles into the optimal syrup and whipped cream delivery systems?

the Dutch Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial context in which waffles were sold in Europe?

as a common street food Signup and view all the answers

What event led to sugar becoming affordable and accessible to everyone in Europe by the 16th century?

the discovery of the New World Signup and view all the answers

What replaced honey as a popular sweetener in most desserts during this period?

sugar Signup and view all the answers

What was the term derived from the French word '[?d'savere,?]' that referred to the final course of fruits and sweets?

dessert Signup and view all the answers

What type of sugary concoction was popular during this period, topped with berries, fruit, or ginger?

crispy crust Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the sweet fruit-filled ravioli that became popular during this period?

Cuskynoles Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary target audience for medieval fast food?

Travelers and the poor Signup and view all the answers

Why was cooking at home difficult for many Londoners during the Middle Ages?

Cooking equipment and fuel were expensive, and tenement housing often lacked hearths. Signup and view all the answers

What was the center of trade and commerce in medieval Europe?

London Signup and view all the answers

What was the driving force behind the development of medieval fast food?

Poverty and the need for convenient, affordable food options. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary characteristic of medieval fast food?

It wasn't always tasty. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Weird History channel's request to its viewers?

To subscribe, leave a comment, and suggest historical food topics for future videos. Signup and view all the answers

What is the anachronistic mention in the passage?

Harry Potter and owls in Big Ben Signup and view all the answers