12th Century Meal for Monks Invited to the Royal Table

1.Prepare the roasted chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and thyme. Roast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2.Braise the leeks by cutting them into 1-inch pieces and sautéing them in butter until tender. Add chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes.

3.For the honey-glazed carrots, peel and slice the carrots. Cook them in boiling water until tender. Drain and toss with melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt.

4.Cook the saffron rice according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork before serving.

5.To make the spiced plum compote, combine plums, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange juice in a saucepan. Simmer until the plums are soft and the sauce has thickened.

6.Braise the lamb by searing it on all sides in a hot pan. Transfer to a roasting dish, add onions, carrots, garlic, and chicken broth. Cover and roast at 325°F (163°C) for 2-3 hours or until the lamb is tender.

7.For the stewed cabbage, shred the cabbage and sauté it in bacon fat until wilted. Add diced bacon, onions, apples, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer covered for 1 hour.

8.Peel and boil potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.

9.To make the mint sauce, combine vinegar, sugar, and chopped mint leaves in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

10.Prepare the apple pie by making a pastry dough and lining a pie dish with it. Fill with sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Cover with a second layer of dough and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes.

11.Season the trout with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Grill or bake until cooked through.

12.Steam the spinach until wilted. Drain and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

13.For the buttered new potatoes, boil the potatoes until tender. Toss with melted butter, salt, and chopped parsley.

14.To make the lemon butter sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Cook until heated through.

15.Prepare the berry tart by making a sweet pastry dough and pressing it into a tart pan. Fill with mixed berries and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.