Thursday, September 28, 2023

A Limerick in time ...

The Chowder Limerick found from records dating back to the year of 1751, provides a humorous and instructional guide to making chowder.

First lay some Onions to keep the Pork from burning
Because in Chouder there can be not turning;
Then lay some Pork in slices very thing,
Thus you in Chouder always must begin.
Next lay some Fish cut crossways very nice
Then season well with Pepper, Salt, and Spice;
Parsley, Sweet-Marjoram, Savory, and Thyme,
Then Biscuit next which must be soak’d some Time.
Thus your Foundation laid, you will be able
To raise a Chouder, high as Tower of Babel;
For by repeating o’er the Same again,
You may make a Chouder for a thousand men.
Last a Bottle of Claret, with Water eno; to smother ’em,
You’ll have a Mess which some call Omnium gather ’em.

Not your ordinary chowder...

While this intriguing limerick doesn't explicitly outline traditional rice or potato-based chowder recipes, it still provides valuable insights into the cultural context and humor of its time.
  • Cultural Reflection: The limerick provides a snapshot of culinary practices and ingredients popular during the 18th century. It highlights the importance of fish, pork, and specific seasonings in chowder recipes of that era.
  • Humor and Satire: The limerick's playful tone and humorous exaggeration are characteristic of the time period. It's a testament to the enduring power of humor and satire as a means of social commentary.
  • Ingredient Availability: The ingredients mentioned in the limerick, such as fish, pork, and biscuits, were readily available in coastal regions during the 18th century. This reflects the close relationship between food and local resources at the time.
  • Recipe Adaptation: While the specific recipe may not apply to rice-based chowders, the limerick can serve as a foundation for understanding the basic principles and techniques involved in chowder making. It can inspire cooks to experiment with different ingredients and create their own unique variations.
The Chowder limerick suggests the cultural exchange and adaptation that have shaped the development of chowder. As a dish that has evolved over centuries, incorporating influences from various cultures, chowder is a defining food in the interconnectedness of food traditions of the world.



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