A compilation of medieval recipes from authentic sources adapted for the 21st century kitchen, along with diverse facts on food & feasting in the Middle Ages & Renaissance and other historical culinary items.

On the Internet since November 1997

The Gode Cookery Channel on
 
Featuring food, feasts, & music!

http://www.youtube.com/GodeCookery

Gode Cookery Website Staff

Founder and Main Author- James Matterer

Owner, Editor, and Manager - Monica Gaudio

Editor: Gode Cookery Recipe Collection - Tammy Crawford

Gode Cookery Catering Staff - þe Companie of Gode Cooks

Master Cook - James Matterer

Master Cook - Tammy Crawford

Master Cook -

Monica Gaudio

Master Cook - Jennifer Strobel

Apprentices to James Matterer- Glenda Cockrum, Troy Lamey, Jill Walker
 

Assistants - Darell McCormick,

Master Cook Lisa Holcomb-Blair

God may send a man good meate, but the devyll sende an evyll cooke.

edieval cooking was not, as has been so easily assumed, a dubious practice that produced inedible dishes filled with strange spices and dangerous ingredients. Medieval cooks used many of the same type of foodstuffs that are in use today, in addition to forms of food preparation familiar to any of us. The dishes and recipes they prepared were neither inedible nor dangerous, but extremely delicious and nourishing products that employed the finest meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables medieval society was capable of developing. Then as now, mankind knew what tasted good and the sauces, stews, pies, roasts, and soups that satisfied the 14th century family are just as wholesome and enjoyable today.

any of the recipes in this site originate from true medieval & Renaissance sources, are fully documented, and have been adapted for use in the modern kitchen. Original sources & bibliographies are featured whenever possible; historical authenticity and research are our main concerns, along with producing viands that are enjoyable & good to eat. Those recipes that are neither authentic nor documented are clearly defined as being so, and are included for those who wish to prepare modern foods with a medieval flavor. Whether it's a small repast for two or an entire medieval feast, a documented period dinner or a party with a medieval theme, Gode Cookery can provide authentic and delicious dishes with which to please and satisfy your guests.

eat pies filled with pork, beef, raisins and dates, topped with whole chicken pieces; soups flavored with wine and thickened with almonds; vegetables and fruit marinated in wine, honey, & herbs and savory sauces & stews of all varieties! Venison pies & rabbit in gravy; beef roasts, stuffed goose, & fish marinated in ale; sweet pastries fried in oil, fruit confections, and sculptures made of sugar! Exotic creations such as the Cockentrice, half pig & half chicken, and the Coqz Heaumez, a knightly hen who rides a suckling steed - this is the food of the Middle Ages!

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The Gode Cookery Discussion Group

The Gode Cookery Discussion Group is open to anyone with a desire and willingness to communicate and share information with others interested in medieval & Renaissance cookery. Members may either receive individual letters or a digest. The list is moderated and SPAM, rudeness, offensive language, and intolerance are not acceptable.

Members of the Gode Cookery Discussion group have access to recipes, food information, and PDF articles on historical cooking not made available anywhere else at Gode Cookery.

The Gode Cookery Discussion Group has moved to Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/132904653575089/

Our recommendations and awards, along with various site reviews of Gode Cookery.

http://www.godecookery.com/godeboke/wallfame/wallfame.htm

And a few more interesting items...

Christian Science Monitor Review of A Boke of Gode Cookery | On the Menu: Confit
Chaucer: Still popular after 600 years | Food: How Modern is the Modern British Menu?

Gode Cookery Photo Galleries

http://www.godecookery.com/pics/galleries.html

With videos, slideshows, & music!

Gode Cookery on the Food Network

Gode Cookery is featured in the Food Network series, "The Secret Life of...". The series debuted on June 7th, 2004. Look for us on "The Secret Life of Sandwiches," the third episode in the 1st season. We also appear in the 2nd season, in "The Secret Life of Birthday Parties," in the 2007 holiday special "The Secret Life of Hallowe'en," and in the fourth season in "The Secret Life of Gingerbread." 
 

About the Author: James L. Matterer has an academic background in both culinary arts and history. He has been researching and recreating medieval food since 1979 and has presented dozens of authentic feasts, the largest being for over 300 people. A member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., he has received that organization's highest Arts & Science award for his research & recreation of the cookery of Chaucerian England. James has taught a medieval cooking workshop at Penn State University, has had several recipes published in scholastic textbooks, and along with his medieval catering company, also called Gode Cookery, is the premier caterer for the Alabama Renaissance Fair.  In 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007 he appeared on the Food Network series, "The Secret Life of...".  James lives with his partner and 7 cats in Steubenville, Ohio.

James at a medieval reenactment, Feb. 18, 2006