JANUARY 28 - Today in Food History
- National Blueberry Pancake Day
814 Charlemagne died. Charlemagne, Charles I, Charles the Great, King of the Franks, Charles le Grand, Carolus Magnus, Karl Der Grosse, King of the Lombards, master of Western Europe, Emperor. Some of the food related 'facts' I have come across related to Charlemagne:
* the peacock was first served in Europe during his reign;
* Saurbraten was invented by Charlemagne;
* Roquefort cheese was a favorite of his;
* the knife began to be used to eat food for the first time during his reign (rather than the fingers);
* Roses were used to cover his tables for meals.
I have no real corroboration for any of these 'facts'.
1807 London's Pall Mall became the first street to be lighted by gaslight.
1855 William S. Burroughs was born. An American inventor, Burroughs invented and manufactured the first adding machine with a printer.
1873 Colette, (Sidonie Gabrielle) was born. A French novelist, her novels contain many exact and detailed descriptions of food and the pleasures of the table, and quite a few recipes.
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