History or Myth? The Story of King Alfred and His Cakes
In the realm of history, the line between fact and myth can often blur, leading to captivating tales that provoke both intrigue and skepticism. One such story revolves around the legendary King Alfred of Wessex, famously intertwined with the kitchen mishap involving burnt cakes. As Netflix releases its fourth season of The Last Kingdom, this tale finds a timely spotlight, serving as the inspiration behind today's culinary creation: Anglo-Saxon oat cakes.
The Anglo-Saxon period in English history, spanning from 449 AD until approximately 1066 AD, remains a rich tapestry of cultural and political complexities. During this time, Britain was characterized by a patchwork of warring kingdoms facing invasion threats from Scots, Welsh, and Vikings—all vying for dominance on the island. Yet, amid the strife, the land brims with stories of saints and legends.
Despite the wealth of accounts available, substantial gaps in historical records persist. The prime sources of information about this era, such as the writings of The Venerable Bede and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, focus little on culinary traditions. This absence necessitates a modern reinterpretation for recipes of the time, leading to an amalgamation of various British traditions surrounding oat cakes.
The recipe for today’s oat cakes references an age-old practice that has evolved across generations. From Scotland’s dense oat cakes to the crepe-like versions popular in Wales, all have roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon era. For those following along, today’s preparation takes inspiration from southern England, yielding a hearty yet crumbly cake perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
To create these oat cakes, gather the following:
250g of oats
1/2 c. (46g) oat flour (or regular flour)
170g (1.5 sticks) of melted butter
50g of assorted dried fruit (dried apples, cherries, plums, or apricots)
Mixing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine oats, dried fruit, salt, and optional cinnamon. Stir in honey, then add melted butter. Finally, incorporate oat flour to form the dough.
Shaping Cakes: Form small patties about three inches wide and place them on a plate or a lined baking sheet.
Cooking Options: The cakes can be baked in an oven at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or cooked on a skillet or direct fire, emulating ancient preparation methods.
Fast forward to 878 AD, when Alfred, having endured the harsh realities of a Viking invasion, was hiding in the marshes of Somerset. Struggling to maintain his kingdom, Alfred found himself at a low point—both physically and metaphorically. Legend recounts that while seeking refuge in a swineherd’s home, he was tasked with minding some cakes but inadvertently let them burn, leading to the infamous reprimand from the swineherd's wife.
The questionable authenticity of this incident—recorded a century after its purported occurrence—raises further questions about Alfred's character. While the traditional king of the time was a warrior, Alfred was an intellectual strategist who understood the value of education and governance. He transformed England by establishing fortified towns—burgs—and even launched the first English navy, making significant contributions that would echo for centuries.
After preparing the oat cakes, a taste test reveals a delightful contrast between the two cooking methods. The skillet-cooked version, slightly charred, boasts a richer flavor profile compared to the softer oven-baked variant. The combination of natural sweetness from the honey and fruit, enriched by a touch of char, offers a singularly rewarding taste experience.
Despite the ambiguous origins of the story and the precise nature of Anglo-Saxon cooking, the fascination with King Alfred endures. Whether myth or history, this tale of a king and his cakes lends insight into a critical period of English history. By engaging in this culinary exploration, we not only celebrate Alfred’s legacy but also dive into the rich and intricate rhythms of Anglo-Saxon culture.
For those curious to know more, detailed recipes, and a selection of books on Anglo-Saxon England can be found via the links below. Join me next time as we continue Tasting History!
Part 1/9:
History or Myth? The Story of King Alfred and His Cakes
In the realm of history, the line between fact and myth can often blur, leading to captivating tales that provoke both intrigue and skepticism. One such story revolves around the legendary King Alfred of Wessex, famously intertwined with the kitchen mishap involving burnt cakes. As Netflix releases its fourth season of The Last Kingdom, this tale finds a timely spotlight, serving as the inspiration behind today's culinary creation: Anglo-Saxon oat cakes.
The Anglo-Saxon Era: A Fascinating Period
Part 2/9:
The Anglo-Saxon period in English history, spanning from 449 AD until approximately 1066 AD, remains a rich tapestry of cultural and political complexities. During this time, Britain was characterized by a patchwork of warring kingdoms facing invasion threats from Scots, Welsh, and Vikings—all vying for dominance on the island. Yet, amid the strife, the land brims with stories of saints and legends.
Part 3/9:
Despite the wealth of accounts available, substantial gaps in historical records persist. The prime sources of information about this era, such as the writings of The Venerable Bede and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, focus little on culinary traditions. This absence necessitates a modern reinterpretation for recipes of the time, leading to an amalgamation of various British traditions surrounding oat cakes.
Crafting Anglo-Saxon Oat Cakes
Part 4/9:
The recipe for today’s oat cakes references an age-old practice that has evolved across generations. From Scotland’s dense oat cakes to the crepe-like versions popular in Wales, all have roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon era. For those following along, today’s preparation takes inspiration from southern England, yielding a hearty yet crumbly cake perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
To create these oat cakes, gather the following:
250g of oats
1/2 c. (46g) oat flour (or regular flour)
170g (1.5 sticks) of melted butter
50g of assorted dried fruit (dried apples, cherries, plums, or apricots)
126g (6 tablespoons) honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
Part 5/9:
Mixing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine oats, dried fruit, salt, and optional cinnamon. Stir in honey, then add melted butter. Finally, incorporate oat flour to form the dough.
Shaping Cakes: Form small patties about three inches wide and place them on a plate or a lined baking sheet.
Cooking Options: The cakes can be baked in an oven at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or cooked on a skillet or direct fire, emulating ancient preparation methods.
King Alfred: A Complex Figure
Part 6/9:
Fast forward to 878 AD, when Alfred, having endured the harsh realities of a Viking invasion, was hiding in the marshes of Somerset. Struggling to maintain his kingdom, Alfred found himself at a low point—both physically and metaphorically. Legend recounts that while seeking refuge in a swineherd’s home, he was tasked with minding some cakes but inadvertently let them burn, leading to the infamous reprimand from the swineherd's wife.
Part 7/9:
The questionable authenticity of this incident—recorded a century after its purported occurrence—raises further questions about Alfred's character. While the traditional king of the time was a warrior, Alfred was an intellectual strategist who understood the value of education and governance. He transformed England by establishing fortified towns—burgs—and even launched the first English navy, making significant contributions that would echo for centuries.
A Culinary Experiment
Part 8/9:
After preparing the oat cakes, a taste test reveals a delightful contrast between the two cooking methods. The skillet-cooked version, slightly charred, boasts a richer flavor profile compared to the softer oven-baked variant. The combination of natural sweetness from the honey and fruit, enriched by a touch of char, offers a singularly rewarding taste experience.
Conclusion: Celebrating Legacy Through Food
Part 9/9:
Despite the ambiguous origins of the story and the precise nature of Anglo-Saxon cooking, the fascination with King Alfred endures. Whether myth or history, this tale of a king and his cakes lends insight into a critical period of English history. By engaging in this culinary exploration, we not only celebrate Alfred’s legacy but also dive into the rich and intricate rhythms of Anglo-Saxon culture.
For those curious to know more, detailed recipes, and a selection of books on Anglo-Saxon England can be found via the links below. Join me next time as we continue Tasting History!