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*The Forme of Cury* is a 14th-century cookbook from the reign of King Richard II.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical text *The Forme of Cury* is indeed a 14th-century English cookbook, dating from approximately 1390 during the reign of King Richard II.
Medieval English cooking primarily featured large lumps of roast meat, as commonly depicted in popular culture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Clarissa Dickson Wright's historical analysis indicates that medieval English cooking was not predominantly characterized by large portions of roast meat; rather, many dishes featured purée-like textures, often with small fragments of meat or fish.
Nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon were common seasonings used in medieval English recipes, according to *The Forme of Cury*.
Answer: True
Explanation: *The Forme of Cury* indeed details the use of sophisticated seasonings such as nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, alongside cardamon and cloves, in medieval English recipes.
Medieval sweet and sour purée dishes incorporated both sugar and vinegar.
Answer: True
Explanation: Medieval English cuisine included sweet and sour purée dishes that specifically combined both sugar and vinegar, alongside other acidic and sweet flavor profiles.
Clarissa Dickson Wright argues that spices were used to disguise bad meat in medieval times.
Answer: False
Explanation: Clarissa Dickson Wright refutes the common misconception that spices in medieval times were used to mask the taste of spoiled meat, arguing instead that they were employed to counteract the strong flavor of salt, a primary preservative.
Which 14th-century English cookbook, dating from around 1390 during the reign of King Richard II, provides insight into medieval royal court cuisine?
Answer: *The Forme of Cury*
Explanation: *The Forme of Cury*, a 14th-century English cookbook from the reign of King Richard II, is a primary source for understanding the sophisticated cuisine of the medieval royal court.
Clarissa Dickson Wright, in *A History of English Food*, emphasizes that medieval English cooking was NOT primarily about what, as often depicted in popular culture?
Answer: Large lumps of roast meat
Explanation: Clarissa Dickson Wright's research clarifies that medieval English cooking, contrary to popular belief, was not primarily characterized by large lumps of roast meat, but often featured purée-like dishes.
*The Boke of Cokery*, published in 1500, was the first known printed cookery book in England.
Answer: True
Explanation: *The Boke of Cokery*, published by Richard Pynson in 1500, holds the distinction of being the first known printed cookery book in England, compiling earlier medieval texts.
Sixteenth-century cookery books were exclusively aimed at aristocratic ladies, focusing on confectionery and health remedies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sixteenth-century cookery books were diverse, encompassing both 'secrets' collections for aristocratic ladies and practical advice on cookery and household management for women from more ordinary backgrounds, such as wives of minor aristocrats and professional men.
During the 16th century, butter became a significant ingredient in sauces, and locally grown herbs started to replace spices as primary flavorings.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 16th century marked a shift in English culinary practices, with butter gaining prominence in sauces and a growing preference for locally cultivated herbs over imported spices for flavoring dishes.
Sweet potatoes, an ingredient from the tropical Americas, were introduced to England in *The Good Huswifes Jewell*.
Answer: True
Explanation: *The Good Huswifes Jewell* is notable for introducing sweet potatoes, a new ingredient originating from the tropical Americas, into English culinary literature alongside traditional recipes.
Pies in Tudor times were only for consumption and had no role in entertainment or theatrical presentation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tudor-era pies served a dual purpose, functioning not only as food but also as elements of theatrical entertainment, as evidenced by practices like placing live birds under pie crusts for banquets.
Gervase Markham's *The English Huswife*, published in 1615, was the bestselling cookery book of the early 17th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gervase Markham's *The English Huswife*, published in 1615, achieved significant popularity, becoming the bestselling cookery book of the early 17th century and offering comprehensive advice on household management and recipes.
Robert May's *The Accomplisht Cook* (1660) included only a few recipes for sturgeon, focusing more on common meats.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Robert May's *The Accomplisht Cook* (1660) was a comprehensive work that notably featured a substantial 38 recipes dedicated specifically to sturgeon, alongside a wide array of other dishes.
Hannah Woolley's *The Cooks Guide* (1664) demonstrated French culinary influence through the use of elaborate sauces.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hannah Woolley's *The Cooks Guide* (1664) showcased French culinary influence by instructing non-aristocratic readers on how to prepare fashionable French-style dishes, particularly through the incorporation of elaborate sauces.
John Evelyn's 1699 book, *Acetaria: A Discourse of Sallets*, is considered the first book on desserts.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Evelyn's *Acetaria: A Discourse of Sallets* (1699) is recognized as the first book dedicated to salads, exploring their philosophical significance and inspiring early vegetarianism, rather than focusing on desserts.
What was the first known printed cookery book in England, published in 1500 by Richard Pynson?
Answer: *The Boke of Cokery*
Explanation: *The Boke of Cokery*, published in 1500 by Richard Pynson, holds the distinction of being the first known printed cookery book in England.
Sixteenth-century cookery books were generally of two types: collections of 'secrets' for aristocratic ladies, and advice on cookery and household management aimed at which other group?
Answer: Women from more ordinary backgrounds, such as wives of minor aristocrats
Explanation: Beyond collections for aristocratic ladies, 16th-century cookery books also provided practical advice on cookery and household management for women from more ordinary backgrounds, such as wives of minor aristocrats, clergymen, and professional men.
*The Good Huswifes Jewell* introduced which new ingredient from the tropical Americas, alongside more familiar medieval recipes?
Answer: Sweet potatoes
Explanation: *The Good Huswifes Jewell* is notable for introducing sweet potatoes, an ingredient originating from the tropical Americas, into English culinary practices.
The nursery rhyme 'Sing a Song of Sixpence' alludes to the Tudor practice of placing what under a pie crust to be released at banquets, highlighting their role in entertainment?
Answer: Live birds
Explanation: The nursery rhyme 'Sing a Song of Sixpence' references the Tudor-era practice of incorporating live birds into pies, which were then released at banquets as a form of entertainment.
Which bestselling cookery book of the early 17th century, authored by Gervase Markham, featured recipes that emphasized a balance of sweet and sour flavors?
Answer: *The English Huswife*
Explanation: Gervase Markham's *The English Huswife*, a bestselling cookery book of the early 17th century, featured recipes that notably emphasized a sophisticated balance of sweet and sour flavors.
Robert May's *The Accomplisht Cook*, published in 1660, was a comprehensive work that included a substantial number of recipes for which specific ingredient, totaling 38?
Answer: Sturgeon
Explanation: Robert May's *The Accomplisht Cook* (1660) is notable for its extensive coverage, including a remarkable 38 recipes dedicated specifically to sturgeon.
Hannah Woolley's *The Cooks Guide* (1664) demonstrated French culinary influence by presenting recipes designed for non-aristocratic readers to emulate fashionable French cooking styles, particularly through the use of what?
Answer: Elaborate sauces
Explanation: Hannah Woolley's *The Cooks Guide* (1664) exemplified French culinary influence by instructing readers on the preparation of fashionable French-style dishes, particularly through the innovative use of elaborate sauces.
John Evelyn's 1699 book, *Acetaria: A Discourse of Sallets*, is considered the first book on which food category, exploring its philosophical importance?
Answer: Salads
Explanation: John Evelyn's *Acetaria: A Discourse of Sallets* (1699) is recognized as the pioneering work on salads, delving into their philosophical significance and inspiring early vegetarian thought.
John Nott's *The Cooks and Confectioners Dictionary* (1723) adopted an alphabetical arrangement for its recipes.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Nott's *The Cooks and Confectioners Dictionary* (1723) innovatively organized its extensive collection of recipes using an alphabetical arrangement, covering a wide spectrum of dishes and beverages.
*Primitive Cookery* (1767) exclusively promoted meat-based dishes, avoiding any vegetarian options.
Answer: False
Explanation: The anonymous *Primitive Cookery* (1767) actually advocated for budget-friendly, lacto-vegetarian dishes, though it did include some meat-containing recipes, thus not exclusively promoting meat-based options.
James Woodforde's *Diary of a Country Parson* illustrates that 18th-century prosperous individuals ate very simple, limited meals.
Answer: False
Explanation: James Woodforde's *Diary of a Country Parson* provides evidence that prosperous individuals in 18th-century England enjoyed elaborate and varied meals, often featuring multiple courses and a wide range of dishes, contradicting the idea of simple, limited meals.
Gilbert White noted that potatoes had been a staple in the diet of ordinary country people in southern England since before King George III's reign.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gilbert White's *The Natural History of Selborne* (1789) indicates that potatoes were a relatively recent addition to the diet of ordinary country people in southern England, having been introduced only during the reign of King George III.
Hannah Glasse's *The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy* was the best-selling cookery book for a century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hannah Glasse's *The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy*, first published in 1747, achieved remarkable success, becoming the best-selling cookery book for an entire century and undergoing numerous editions.
Isabella Beeton's *Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management* was primarily meant for reading pleasure, similar to Eliza Acton's book.
Answer: False
Explanation: Isabella Beeton's *Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management* (1861) was designed as a practical reference guide for household management and recipes, distinguishing it from Eliza Acton's book, which was intended more for reading pleasure.
Charles Elmè Francatelli, an Anglo-Italian cook, achieved celebrity status in the 19th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Charles Elmè Francatelli, an Anglo-Italian chef, gained considerable celebrity in the 19th century, serving prominent figures and institutions, and publishing the popular cookbook *The Modern Cook*.
Tea, coffee, and chocolate, all originating from outside Europe, had become staple hot drinks in England by Victorian times.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the Victorian era, tea, coffee, and chocolate, all introduced from non-European regions, had firmly established themselves as staple hot beverages in England, reflecting evolving tastes and global trade.
Joseph Fry's, Rowntree's, and Cadbury's were Quaker-founded businesses instrumental in developing and marketing chocolate bars in England.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Quaker-founded businesses of Joseph Fry's, Rowntree's, and Cadbury's played a pivotal role in the development and marketing of chocolate bars in England during the 19th century, contributing significantly to their widespread popularity.
What unique organizational approach did John Nott's *The Cooks and Confectioners Dictionary* (1723) take for its recipes?
Answer: Alphabetical arrangement
Explanation: John Nott's *The Cooks and Confectioners Dictionary* (1723) distinguished itself by adopting an alphabetical arrangement for its extensive collection of recipes, a novel approach for its time.
Hannah Glasse's *The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy*, first published in 1747, achieved what significant status for a century?
Answer: It became the best-selling cookery book.
Explanation: Hannah Glasse's *The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy*, first published in 1747, became the best-selling cookery book for an entire century, undergoing at least 40 editions due to its immense popularity.
Isabella Beeton's *Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management* (1861) was an immensely popular manual primarily designed as what?
Answer: A practical reference guide for household management and recipes
Explanation: Isabella Beeton's *Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management* (1861) was conceived as a comprehensive and practical reference guide for household management and culinary recipes, selling nearly two million copies by 1868.
Which Anglo-Italian cook achieved celebrity status in the 19th century, cooking for aristocrats, London clubs, and Queen Victoria?
Answer: Charles Elmè Francatelli
Explanation: Charles Elmè Francatelli, an Anglo-Italian chef, rose to celebrity status in the 19th century, renowned for his culinary services to aristocrats, London clubs, and Queen Victoria, and for his popular book *The Modern Cook*.
By Victorian times, which of these hot drinks, originating from outside Europe, had become a staple in England, introduced around 1660 by Catherine of Braganza?
Answer: Tea
Explanation: By Victorian times, tea, introduced to England around 1660 by Catherine of Braganza, had become a staple hot drink, alongside coffee and chocolate, all originating from outside Europe.
Which of the following Quaker-founded businesses was NOT mentioned as instrumental in developing and marketing chocolate bars in England?
Answer: Terry's
Explanation: The Quaker-founded businesses instrumental in developing and marketing chocolate bars in England were Joseph Fry's, Rowntree's, and Cadbury's. Terry's was not mentioned in this context.
After World War I, traditional breakfasts like porridge and bacon and eggs were largely replaced by instant foods and American-style dry cereals.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following World War I, English breakfast habits underwent a transformation, with the introduction of instant foods and American-style dry cereals leading to a decline in the consumption of traditional breakfasts such as porridge and bacon and eggs.
Rationing during World War II led to a less healthy population due to severely limited food access.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paradoxically, rationing during World War II, despite limiting access to certain foods, resulted in the English population being healthier overall due to a more controlled and balanced dietary intake enforced by wartime measures.
Marguerite Patten was a home economist employed by the Ministry of Food during World War II to teach economical cooking methods.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marguerite Patten served as a home economist for the Ministry of Food during World War II, where she educated the public on economical cooking techniques to manage wartime rationing, later becoming a renowned television cook and author.
Elizabeth David's *A Book of Mediterranean Food* (1950) had little impact on English cooking due to post-war scarcity and lack of ingredients.
Answer: False
Explanation: Elizabeth David's *A Book of Mediterranean Food* (1950) had a profound and transformative impact on English cooking, introducing the vibrant cuisines of the Mediterranean region and inspiring a new generation of cookery writers, despite the prevailing post-war scarcity.
Philip Harben's 1953 book *Traditional Dishes of Britain* listed Cornish pasties and Yorkshire pudding as stereotypical British foods.
Answer: True
Explanation: Philip Harben's *Traditional Dishes of Britain* (1953) indeed identified Cornish pasties and Yorkshire pudding among other items as stereotypical and enduring stalwarts of the British diet.
Rationing, introduced in 1940 during World War II, paradoxically led to what outcome for the English population's health?
Answer: The population being healthier overall due to controlled intake
Explanation: Rationing during World War II, despite its restrictive nature, paradoxically contributed to the English population being healthier overall due to a more controlled and balanced dietary intake enforced by wartime measures.
Who was the home economist employed by the Ministry of Food during World War II to teach economical cooking methods, later becoming a prolific author and television cook?
Answer: Marguerite Patten
Explanation: Marguerite Patten was the home economist employed by the Ministry of Food during World War II, tasked with teaching economical cooking methods under rationing, and subsequently became a celebrated author and television cook.
Elizabeth David's 1950 book, *A Book of Mediterranean Food*, profoundly transformed English cooking by introducing what during a time of scarcity?
Answer: The vibrant cuisines of the Mediterranean region
Explanation: Elizabeth David's *A Book of Mediterranean Food* (1950) significantly transformed English cooking by introducing the vibrant cuisines of the Mediterranean region, inspiring new culinary directions during a period of post-war austerity.
The 'gastropub' movement, emerging in the 21st century, aims to achieve what for pub dining?
Answer: To elevate pub dining by serving restaurant-quality food.
Explanation: The 'gastropub' movement, which gained prominence in the 21st century, seeks to elevate the pub dining experience by offering restaurant-quality food, prepared to order from fresh ingredients, within a traditional pub setting.
English cuisine is solely defined by its ancient origins and has not been influenced by external cultures.
Answer: False
Explanation: English cuisine, while possessing distinctive attributes and ancient origins, has been significantly shaped by ingredients and ideas imported from various global cultures, including the Americas, China, and India, as well as by post-World War II immigration.
Sociologist Bob Ashley observed in 2004 that the 'core national diet' in Britain is static and rarely incorporates foreign dishes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sociologist Bob Ashley's 2004 observations indicated that Britain's 'core national diet' is dynamic and frequently integrates foreign dishes, challenging the notion of a static culinary landscape.
Piccalilli, a pickle, was introduced to England from India in the 18th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Piccalilli, a distinctive pickle, was indeed introduced to England from India during the 18th century, with Hannah Glasse providing a recipe for it in 1758.
Sweet and sour sauces are a recent foreign influence on English cuisine, only appearing in modern times.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sweet and sour flavor profiles in dishes and sauces have a long historical presence in English cuisine, appearing in recipe books since the Middle Ages, thus predating modern foreign influences.
Fanny Cradock controversially asserted that 'The English have never had a cuisine,' suggesting a lack of original culinary identity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fanny Cradock famously and controversially claimed that 'The English have never had a cuisine,' implying a lack of a distinct and original culinary tradition, even attributing dishes like Yorkshire pudding to foreign origins.
Panikos Panayi argued that fish and chips became a symbol of national identity around 1930, despite its foreign origins.
Answer: True
Explanation: Panikos Panayi's research highlighted that while fish and chips has foreign origins (fried fish from Jewish cooking, chips from France), it solidified its status as a symbol of British national identity around 1930.
The Veeraswamy restaurant, opened in 1926, is the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in Britain.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Veeraswamy restaurant, established on Regent Street in London in 1926, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating Indian restaurant in Britain.
English cuisine is characterized by its own distinctive attributes but also shares similarities with broader British cuisine. Historically, it has been influenced by ingredients and ideas imported from which of the following regions?
Answer: The Americas, China, and India
Explanation: Historically, English cuisine has been significantly influenced by ingredients and culinary ideas imported from regions such as the Americas, China, and India, reflecting its dynamic and evolving nature.
According to sociologist Bob Ashley in 2004, the 'core national diet' in Britain is best described as what?
Answer: Dynamic and frequently incorporating foreign dishes.
Explanation: Sociologist Bob Ashley observed in 2004 that Britain's 'core national diet' is dynamic and frequently incorporates foreign dishes, rather than being static or exclusively traditional.
Piccalilli, a pickle, was introduced to England from India in the 18th century, with Hannah Glasse providing a recipe for it in what year?
Answer: 1758
Explanation: Piccalilli, an Indian-origin pickle, was introduced to England in the 18th century, with Hannah Glasse including a recipe for it in her 1758 publication.
Lizzie Collingham states that curry was initially created by the British in India in the 17th century for what purpose?
Answer: To add 'bite' to the rather bland flavors of boiled and roasted meats.
Explanation: Lizzie Collingham posits that curry was initially developed by the British in 17th-century India to enhance the flavor of otherwise bland boiled and roasted meats, adding a distinctive 'bite' to their meals.
James Walvin identified which of the following as a 'Fruit of Empire' that became deeply embedded in British culture between 1660 and 1800?
Answer: Potatoes
Explanation: James Walvin identified potatoes as one of the 'Fruits of Empire' that became deeply integrated into British culture between 1660 and 1800, alongside sugar, tea, coffee, and spices.
The Veeraswamy restaurant, located on Regent Street in London, opened in 1926 and holds what distinction?
Answer: The oldest surviving Indian restaurant in Britain.
Explanation: The Veeraswamy restaurant, established in London in 1926, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating Indian restaurant in Britain.
Chicken Tikka Masala, a post-colonial British Indian dish, was reportedly invented in which city in the early 1970s?
Answer: Glasgow
Explanation: Chicken Tikka Masala, a prominent post-colonial British Indian dish, is widely reported to have been invented in Glasgow during the early 1970s.
Balti cuisine was introduced to Britain in 1977 in which specific city?
Answer: Birmingham
Explanation: Balti cuisine made its introduction to Britain in 1977, specifically in the city of Birmingham, enriching the country's diverse culinary landscape.
Which Asian cuisine, besides Indian, became well-established in England by the 1970s, with Chinatowns emerging in major cities like London?
Answer: Chinese
Explanation: By the 1970s, Chinese cuisine, alongside Indian, had become well-established in England, marked by the emergence of Chinatowns in major urban centers such as London.
According to Panikos Panayi, the fried fish component of fish and chips had foreign origins, specifically from what culinary tradition?
Answer: Jewish cooking
Explanation: Panikos Panayi's research indicates that the fried fish component of fish and chips originated from Jewish culinary traditions, highlighting the dish's foreign roots.