Season 3
12 episodes
23 min. per episode
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A celebrated chef resurrects lost recipes, unearthing culinary secrets while confronting personal demons and a divided nation.
Episodes
When George Washington wasn't busy governing a fledgling nation, he enjoyed spending time at his family plantation, Mount Vernon. Tour the "jewel of the Potomac" and join Chef Walter Staib in Washington's very own kitchen as he prepares some of the first President's favorite dishes such as Roasted Beef Marrow, Baked Stuffed Sturgeon, Roasted Root Vegetables and Citrus Vinaigrette.
Meet "Martha Washington" as she brings her years with George to life. Always a gracious hostess, "Martha" invites Chef Walter to tea. We also see the Washingtons' personal china and silverware from Mount Vernon. In the kitchen, Chef Walter's menu includes Pickled Herring Bonne Femme, Roasted Stuffed Grouse, Braised Sunchokes and Sweet Potato Biscuits.
The Philadelphia gardens of botanists John and William Bartram were a favorite excursion for our founding fathers, including Ben Franklin. In this episode, learn how Franklin introduced tofu to America and watch Chef Walter cook Fried Lafayette Fish, Curried Tofu with Shrimp, Turbot and Braised Romaine, in the hearth of Bartram's kitchen.
Discover why Rye Coffee became a popular drink in America after President Jefferson and Congress imposed a foreign trade embargo in 1807. Chef Walter shows how rye was harvested, made into bread and brewed to drink. From the kitchen at Harriton House, Chef prepares Madeira Onion Soup, Periwinkles (sea snails), Beef Tongue with Caper Sauce and Pennsylvania Dutch Dumplings.
Dolley Madison was the toast of Washington, hosting her famous "squeeze" parties at the White House first for Thomas Jefferson, and then for her husband, James. When the Madisons left Washington, they continued these traditions at Montpelier, their lavish home in Virginia. Chef Walter throws a party, Dolley-style, making ice cream with Dolley and cooking up a feast, which includes Artichokes, Veal Kidney Dijonnaise, Hoppin' John and Cornmeal Fried Catfish for their guests.
A Taste of History is a cooking series that explores America's culinary beginnings from the Birthplace of American Cuisine. This innovative series brings America's history to life and makes it vibrant as we step back in time and get to know the founders of our country through the food they ate and the recipes they prepared. Chef Walter Staib, an Emmy Award-winning, internationally known chef with over four decades of experience, is a master of open hearth cookery. He demonstrates a true mastery in the preparation of sophisticated 18th century cuisine, sure to inspire home-cooks.