The Culinary Fall of Richard II: A Journey Through Crustade Lombarde
Did a custard tart play a role in the downfall of one of Shakespeare's most notorious kings? While not a direct catalyst for his demise, Richard II’s indulgence in extravagant feasts and elaborate cuisine certainly contributed to his unravelling. In this article, we’ll explore the historical context surrounding Richard II’s reign and the creation of a medieval dessert known as Crustade Lombarde, or Lombardy Custard.
Crustade Lombarde is essentially a fruit custard tart with a touch of medieval flair. Traditional ingredients like eggs, fruit, cream, and sugar mingle with more unexpected components: bone marrow and parsley. The recipe, sourced from the Harleian manuscript, includes a unique approach to blind baking, where the custard is kept in place with fruit and marrow instead of the pie weights used in modern pastries.
The intricate preparation begins with a “fair coffin” made from refined wheat flour, a departure from the traditional medieval use of crust primarily as a vessel left uneaten. Richly layered with dates, prunes, and marrow, it hints at the culinary extravagance of Richard II's court.
Ingredients of Indulgence
To recreate this historical dessert, a list of ingredients is required:
Perhaps most interestingly, the medieval recipe leaves out exact specifications for sugar; a modern adaptation can freely apply sweetness to taste, following the grandeur expected for a king.
Preparing the Dish
The preparation of Crustade Lombarde includes several intriguing steps:
The bone marrow needs to be scooped out from a marrow bone, with options for acquiring this delicate ingredient from various sources.
Chopping the fruit into smaller pieces allows for better coverage in the pie plate.
Following a brief pre-baking of the tart shell, the custard mixture of cream and eggs is whisked together, incorporating salt and parsley.
The dessert is ultimately baked until golden, revealing a blend of flavors and textures, turning a simple fruit tart into a royal delicacy.
The Historical Context of Richard II
Richard II ascended to the throne at the tender age of ten, growing up in a palace adorned with luxuries that cultivated his appetite for the extravagant. Lavish banquets became commonplace, showcasing an array of colorful and exotic foods, while Richard’s preference for divine adornment and praise alienated the nobility.
His reign was marked by contentious relationships, particularly with the noble class, which culminated in the catastrophic Peasants' Revolt of 1381. It was not merely a distaste for his lavish court; it was exacerbated by Richard's fondness for favorites who were perceived as undeserving.
The Feasts that Shaped a Downfall
One notable feast took place in 1387, where Richard hosted a grand banquet for 2,000 guests in London—an event that starkly contrasted with the financial strains felt by his subjects due to the ongoing Hundred Years War. The extensive menu that included 14 oxen, countless poultry, and yes, Lombardy Custard, exemplified the disconnect between the king’s lifestyle and the reality faced by common folk.
The extravagant spending didn’t sit well politically. By December of that year, the discontent culminated in the Lord's Appellant, led by Richard's cousin Henry Bolingbroke, successfully defeating him at the Battle of Radcot Bridge.
The Fall from Grace
Despite initial efforts to reclaim his rule, Richard's paranoia only deepened his despotism. In time, the noble revolt turned towards a consolidation of power, deposing Richard and leading to Henry Bolingbroke’s ascension as King Henry IV. Tragically, Richard died in captivity, reportedly from hunger—an ironic fate for a man who once feasted sumptuously.
Though Richard II may not have fallen solely due to a custard tart, the Crustade Lombarde embodies the opulence and fallibility of a king whose love for the lavish ultimately drove the kingdom's wrath. As we savor the flavors of this medieval dessert, we’re reminded of the interplay between the culinary arts and the unfolding saga of England's history.
So, as an homage to Richard II's extravagant feasts, let us celebrate this delightful Lombardy Custard—a testament not only to historical cuisine but also to the complex legacy of a king whose life was marked by grandeur, folly, and a tragic ending.
Make sure to check back for more delightful recipes becoming intertwined with history, to taste the past, one dish at a time!
Part 1/7:
The Culinary Fall of Richard II: A Journey Through Crustade Lombarde
Did a custard tart play a role in the downfall of one of Shakespeare's most notorious kings? While not a direct catalyst for his demise, Richard II’s indulgence in extravagant feasts and elaborate cuisine certainly contributed to his unravelling. In this article, we’ll explore the historical context surrounding Richard II’s reign and the creation of a medieval dessert known as Crustade Lombarde, or Lombardy Custard.
The Opulent Dish: Crustade Lombarde
Part 2/7:
Crustade Lombarde is essentially a fruit custard tart with a touch of medieval flair. Traditional ingredients like eggs, fruit, cream, and sugar mingle with more unexpected components: bone marrow and parsley. The recipe, sourced from the Harleian manuscript, includes a unique approach to blind baking, where the custard is kept in place with fruit and marrow instead of the pie weights used in modern pastries.
The intricate preparation begins with a “fair coffin” made from refined wheat flour, a departure from the traditional medieval use of crust primarily as a vessel left uneaten. Richly layered with dates, prunes, and marrow, it hints at the culinary extravagance of Richard II's court.
Ingredients of Indulgence
To recreate this historical dessert, a list of ingredients is required:
Part 3/7:
15 dates and 15 prunes
1/4 cup of bone marrow
1 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar (turbinado or regular)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons finely minced parsley
A pinch of salt
Perhaps most interestingly, the medieval recipe leaves out exact specifications for sugar; a modern adaptation can freely apply sweetness to taste, following the grandeur expected for a king.
Preparing the Dish
The preparation of Crustade Lombarde includes several intriguing steps:
The bone marrow needs to be scooped out from a marrow bone, with options for acquiring this delicate ingredient from various sources.
Chopping the fruit into smaller pieces allows for better coverage in the pie plate.
Part 4/7:
Following a brief pre-baking of the tart shell, the custard mixture of cream and eggs is whisked together, incorporating salt and parsley.
The dessert is ultimately baked until golden, revealing a blend of flavors and textures, turning a simple fruit tart into a royal delicacy.
The Historical Context of Richard II
Richard II ascended to the throne at the tender age of ten, growing up in a palace adorned with luxuries that cultivated his appetite for the extravagant. Lavish banquets became commonplace, showcasing an array of colorful and exotic foods, while Richard’s preference for divine adornment and praise alienated the nobility.
Part 5/7:
His reign was marked by contentious relationships, particularly with the noble class, which culminated in the catastrophic Peasants' Revolt of 1381. It was not merely a distaste for his lavish court; it was exacerbated by Richard's fondness for favorites who were perceived as undeserving.
The Feasts that Shaped a Downfall
One notable feast took place in 1387, where Richard hosted a grand banquet for 2,000 guests in London—an event that starkly contrasted with the financial strains felt by his subjects due to the ongoing Hundred Years War. The extensive menu that included 14 oxen, countless poultry, and yes, Lombardy Custard, exemplified the disconnect between the king’s lifestyle and the reality faced by common folk.
Part 6/7:
The extravagant spending didn’t sit well politically. By December of that year, the discontent culminated in the Lord's Appellant, led by Richard's cousin Henry Bolingbroke, successfully defeating him at the Battle of Radcot Bridge.
The Fall from Grace
Despite initial efforts to reclaim his rule, Richard's paranoia only deepened his despotism. In time, the noble revolt turned towards a consolidation of power, deposing Richard and leading to Henry Bolingbroke’s ascension as King Henry IV. Tragically, Richard died in captivity, reportedly from hunger—an ironic fate for a man who once feasted sumptuously.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Crustade Lombarde
Part 7/7:
Though Richard II may not have fallen solely due to a custard tart, the Crustade Lombarde embodies the opulence and fallibility of a king whose love for the lavish ultimately drove the kingdom's wrath. As we savor the flavors of this medieval dessert, we’re reminded of the interplay between the culinary arts and the unfolding saga of England's history.
So, as an homage to Richard II's extravagant feasts, let us celebrate this delightful Lombardy Custard—a testament not only to historical cuisine but also to the complex legacy of a king whose life was marked by grandeur, folly, and a tragic ending.
Make sure to check back for more delightful recipes becoming intertwined with history, to taste the past, one dish at a time!