Kingly Mish-Mash
Posted Tuesday, 01/24/23
The typical stereotype of Henry VIII as a grossly obese man wielding a chicken drumstick in his later years is belied by this oil-on-panel portrait of him (picture on left). It was painted between 1515-1520, when he would have been in his prime at twenty-four or twenty-nine years old. From the collection at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridge, England, file #NT 515572.
Food is mentioned in certain scenes from In the Shadow of the King. The meals referred to in the book adhere strictly to cuisine common to the time period (1509-1550). I've gathered quite a few "Tudor" recipes along the way, even making the dish known as Hedgehogs (see photos and recipe below; click on image to view larger sizes in a new window).
However, I have yet to try my hand at Chardwardon (pears in red wine sauce; see below).
For more, visit the page for the upcoming book The King's Table (to be released when In the Shadow of the King is available later this year).
And last, but not least:
I was minding my own business last Sunday night, quietly handwriting for my book on the couch, when I sensed Jerry staring at me from across the room as he sat in a recliner.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"I can feel your brainwaves and it's hurting my head," he replied calmly, and then returned his attention back to the football game on television.
Needless to say, I nearly fell off the couch laughing. I was finally able to say: "Now you have an idea what it's like in my head when I'm writing."
"I could have done without it," he responded dryly. "But thanks for sharing."
Current stats: 481 pages and 185,150 words.
