Spoiler: this plant we almost universally recognize for its ruddy root hasn’t always looked this way! Here is a brief history of this changing plant and its closest relative, plus a recreated recipe from Apicius. A colorful photo of the cooked greens with leeks on a plate. Beets are funny-looking plants. The deep purple, oversized… Continue reading Beet Greens with Leeks

The essence of the Mediterranean’s staple crop is captured in this recipe penned by Cato the Elder. Here, a brief history of the olive and its use in this refreshing dish. The epityrum I made on a plate, served with olive oil over a piece of cheese. If someone were to ask you to associate… Continue reading Epityrum (Olive Tapenade)

Date palms are one of the oldest fruit trees continuously cultivated by humans. They are also incredibly popular, even among the Romans. Here, a recipe for stuffed, honeyed dates you can make in your own kitchen. A photo of a pile of the dates I prepared on a plate. Some plants cultivated today were only… Continue reading Honeyed Dates

For much of its early history, Rome’s greatest foreign enemy was Gaul, a nation of Celtic tribes in France. Gallic culture is largely overshadowed by accounts of battles and propaganda, but I’ve taken a closer look at what life was like as a Gaul with this flatbread recipe. A photo of the stacked pieces of… Continue reading Gallic Panic Bread

Following a period of civil unrest, a young Syrian priest was installed as the emperor. A religious zealot and licentious partier, he soon gained a reputation among the Roman populace. Here is a recipe he may have indulged in at one of his feasts. A picture of the dish of the chicken Elagabalus I prepared,… Continue reading Chicken Elagabalus

Egyptian culture was idolized by the Romans, so it seems obvious that a recipe would crop up in the largest ancient cookbook. However, the main ingredient’s identity is uncertain. Here is a recipe you can make, plus an account of my hunt for the lost gourd! A picture of the dish of Alexandrian gourd I… Continue reading Alexandrian Gourd

Religion in Rome extended well beyond public temples – many homes had their own shrines dedicated to household gods. One of the foods offered at these altars was libum, a type of honey cake, which was also enjoyed by regular diners. Here is a recipe for you to prepare. A picture of the loaf of… Continue reading Libum (Cheesecake with Honey)

The concept of fast food is nothing new — the Romans were preparing ready-made snacks and meals centuries ago. Here is a recipe for minced shrimp cakes you might’ve been able to find at one of these early fast food joints. A photo of the shrimp isicia I cooked, garnished with a sprig of sage.… Continue reading Shrimp Isicia