The Path to Peerage - Part 1.5

At the end of January every year, the Barony of Stonemarche hosts "A Market Day at Birka". An event based off of the Viking trading post, welcoming all manner of SCAdian to peruse the market place and see what the East Kingdom has to offer. It is a wonderful event filled with warm hearts and cool surroundings. In my five years in the Society, I've not missed one yet.

This year, was especially important for me as I took another vital step in my "SCA Career"...

A few years ago I was approached my Maestra Imigla Venture, asking if I would like to be her student. Naturally I knew what it meant, but I didn't realize how it would start to mold my experience within the society.  Since that first question, I have tried to expand my knowledge and become more involved in the Kingdom of the East. Naturally, I have much more to learn and do - but what I have done has gotten me where I am today. 

On Saturday, I was officially made Apprentice to Maestra Venture. There was an intimate gathering of some of our beloved friends to bear witness, and I could not feel more humbled and honored. I wrote up a simple contract for the both of us and my Household Matriarch read it aloud for those in attendance. It read:

"This indenture made the 28th day of January during the reign of Brion and Anna of the East shall witness that Lady Elvira Violante Ballesteros does bind herself prentice to Maestra Imigla Venture so that she may expand her studies in cookery and other diverse arts.

During which term Elvira shall this term serve in good faith, keep her Misstress' council and the lawful commandments of same. Elvira shall not withdraw unlawfully from service nor flee for any reason until she has completed her apprenticeship. In return Imigla Venture does pledge to provide for Elvira should she be lacking in shelter, food, or clothing.

Until by agreement that these terms be ended, Elvira shall serve in good faith and all implied therein."

With this development I'm planning to really step up my game. I'm planning to teach a class or two this year, as well as cook my first feast! Dayboards have been my main source of service and study as of the last year, and this year it's time to try for bigger things. I'm also hoping to post a lot more as far as research and my studies. 

Again, thank you to those that made it to this lovely occurrence and I am deeply honored to be continuing on such a prestigious path. Thank you.

Getting Your Morels in Order...

Mushrooms have a deep history and date back over 10,000 years. Used primarily in medicine, this ingredient had played an integral part in much of ancient European, and Asian history.

They seem to experience a slight recession in Europe in the middle ages. More than likely due to the taboo of poison and treachery - they were probably avoided. Either that, or they weren't used often by nobility - so the lack of documentation may just mean they were used by common people. Thus the documentation (or lack thereof) is pretty understandable.

Whatever the cause may be, they're still a popular and tasty addition to any feast or dayboard.

Mushrooms are very affordable, and they're also a great vegetarian / gluten free friendly option. Most people seem to like mushrooms, but there are some of us (myself included) that aren't the biggest fans. Keeping that in mind, I tried to pair them with flavors more widely enjoyed.

What I came up with was a very easy, tasty, and "period" recipe that will be sure to please most anyone attending a feast or dayboard of yours.

This recipe is for one pound of mushrooms. It can be increased as needed. Depending on your dietary needs butter can be replaced with oil, but I suggest halving the amount of oil if so, and letting it sit with the herbs in it overnight for maximum flavor payoff. 

Lady Elvira's Morels

1 lb of white button mushrooms

1 stick of salted butter *

1 sprig of rosemary (stem removed)

2 Tbs of minced garlic (I use the jar stuff and also add a teaspoon or two of the oil)

1 small bunch of parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

* - You may use unsalted butter, if that be the case - merely add salt later on.

• Remove the stalks from the mushroom caps (save the stalks for another recipe if you wish)
• Clean caps thoroughly
• Place top side down in an aluminum dish (must be high enough to catch melted butter)
• It is okay if you have to stack mushrooms on top of one another
• Place your butter, garlic, and herbs in a microwave safe dish and heat until melted
• Let this sit for 15-20 minutes 
• Once your butter has settled, gently pour the mixture over the mushrooms
• Be sure to distribute butter as evenly as possible
• Cover and refrigerate overnight

These can either be grilled, or placed in the oven. To cook in the oven, place aluminum pan in oven heated to 350 degrees. Cook for 20-30 minutes. 

When grilling - cook over  medium high heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

This is a very easy dish to prepare and cook. Whether it be mundane, or period - this is sure to please many a mouth. I hope you enjoy this recipe, and let me know below if you've tried it! 

PS - I'm not sorry for the mushroom pun. It's too much fun....gi. *snerk*