Ken Albala – Cooking across the Ages

Ken Albala – Cooking across the Ages

Cooking Across the Ages

What does it mean to truly connect with history? In Cooking Across the Ages, award-winning Professor Ken Albala of the University of the Pacific invites you to explore history through the lens of food. Across 24 captivating lectures, you’ll uncover how cooking has shaped human culture, connected civilizations, and evolved through the ages.

Delve into the kitchens of the past, from the Roman Empire to the Aztec civilization, and learn not just the techniques and recipes, but also the stories of the cooks, the ingredients, and the cultures behind them.

Key Highlights

1. Ancient Rome: Flavors of the Empire
   Recreate dishes from Apicius, the oldest known Roman cookbook, and experience the spices, herbs, and sauces that defined Roman gastronomy.
2. Imperial China: Soybeans and Dumplings
   Explore the foundations of Chinese cooking, including the cultural significance of soybeans and the art of dumpling preparation.
3. Medieval Egypt: Chickpeas and Phyllo Dough
   Witness how Middle Eastern cuisine was influenced by trade and learn to prepare staple ingredients like chickpeas in creative new ways.
4. Renaissance Italy: Sweets and Pasta
   Discover the Renaissance’s love for lavish desserts and pasta, reflecting the era’s wealth and ingenuity.
5. Aztec Tortillas and Chocolate
   Experience the bold flavors of pre-Columbian America with Aztec-inspired tortillas and ceremonial chocolate drinks.
6. The Birth of French Haute Cuisine
   Trace the rise of French culinary artistry, examining the techniques that laid the groundwork for modern haute cuisine.
7. American Cookery: Democratic Dining
   Unearth the first truly American cookbook, American Cookery, showcasing dishes for all social classes and the spirit of democracy in food.
8. Global Ingredients Across Time
   Learn about rare and unique ingredients—from Roman garum to Indian asafetida—and discover their historical significance in cuisine.

Unique Features

• Hands-On Cooking: Recreate historical recipes in your own kitchen with step-by-step guidance from Professor Albala.
• Cultural Exploration: Each dish provides insights into the social, economic, and cultural fabric of its time.
• Accessible Ingredients: While some historical ingredients are rare, alternatives and modern sources are provided for today’s cooks.
• Visual and Practical Learning: Filmed in Professor Albala’s own kitchen, you’ll feel right at home experimenting with these timeless techniques.

Who Is This For?

• History enthusiasts looking to engage with the past in a tangible way.
• Home cooks eager to expand their culinary horizons.
• Anyone curious about the evolution of food and culture.

Taste History

From Aztec chocolate to Victorian cabbage, Cooking Across the Ages is your gateway to the rich, flavorful stories of the past. Join Professor Albala on this remarkable gastronomic journey and bring history to life in your kitchen. Enroll now and savor the tastes of time!