Libum 1-1/2 lb soft goat or sheep cheese, or ricotta or mascarpone 1-1/3 cup fine spelt flour 3 TBSP high-quality… That connection made some of the realities of their lives more difficult to digest. Crystal King’s debut novel, Feast of Sorrow, is epic in the true sense of the word. King could have chosen to dwell and capitalize on the sordid side of ancient Rome and although there were horrific incidents, the characters dealt with them in stoic ways. From Cato. I am the host for this round of Cook the Books. Delicious cheese appetizers coming from ancient Romans. I just could not find inspiration in any foods that graced Aspicius’ table, any rare delicacy that a Roman patrician would find enjoyable. ricotta cheese; 1 large egg 1 1/2 oz. If you’ve run out of time to participate this month, please note that Simona (bricriole) is hosting The Discovery of Chocolate by James Runcie for February/March. 13 people follow this. A classic ancient Roman sacrificial honey cake. A recipe is given in Cato's "De Agri Cultura" as an offering to the gods. I was led to both from King’s website. To start with this holiday season, here's a sweet and easy recipe for festive honey cakes. From a Taste of Ancient Rome. There were a few items I would have liked to have sampled….not flamingo tongues, however. Remove and cut into desired portions. Thanks! I just finished Pompeii by Robert Harris, also a good look at those times. Recipe. Grocery Store. But I think most of it was probably only eaten by the upper classes, especially the weirder stuff, and only occasionally at those sort of banquets hosted by people like Apicius. I sure did. Spread the honey out over a dinner plate, and when the libum come out of the oven, place them to soak in the honey for about 30 minutes. The recipe below comes from the Roman consul Cato's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for farmers. I cannot wait. I knew about some of the violent details (still, the fate of Apicata’s children is hard to take in). The recipe below comes from the Roman consul Cato's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for farmers. Ingredients 400 g - Libum is an early form of cheesecake. Thank you for hosting with this book. As I delved deeper and deeper into the life of Thrasius and those he loved and tried to protect, I began to gloss over the food. You made an excellent choice with the honey bread. As is typical with a Cook the Books selection, I started out with a pad of paper by my side to record all the food references. Our most trusted Libum Ancient Roman recipes. What overshadowed  the culinary references was, again, the cruelty of the times:  children raped and strangled because of a traitorous father, slaves beaten and disgraced in tortuous ways at the whims of their masters, women being burned alive, murder, suicide and the total tyranny that allows for such actions. In a bowl, combine cheese, flour and eggs. I took the time after a whirlwind holiday to sit and finish the bulk of the book virtually in one sitting. What a beautiful cake for Gods! Place the measured flour in a small sieve and sift into the mixture very slowly and gently while mixing, just until the flour is incorporated. I had heard of this book, now perhaps I’ll read it. She creates a narrator who must live by his wits and skill (in and out of the kitchen) to survive to old age in what was a cruel and unforgiving time. Thanks for stopping by, Adriana! 2 form a soft dough and divide into 4. In fact, I found most of the description of the food of the ancient Romans to sound quite disgusting:  fried flamingo tongues, vulva  of a recently delivered sow, stuffed dormice. Libum is a very ancient Roman version of something like a cheesecake. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. Written by Farrell Monaco Published on August 17, 2017 in . 1 sift the flour into a bowl. Heat the honey. 11 people like this. Jan 26, 2020 - Libum or Cato's Honey Cake. Cato, De Agricultura 75 - 76 Cato's recipes for libum and placenta are particularly important historical sources, since both of these cakes were recommended for use in religious rituals. How to Make Libum. Optional sweetened version of libum that the Romans also made: just before the libum are done, zap the honey in the microwave to warm it. Be sure to turn the oven down so it is just warm, or off completely. Simple cheesecake with a twist. These were all expensive delicacies. It must be shared. Libum, sometimes served hot, is a type of cheesecake. I think I felt for Thrasius (and Apicius as well) because the author did such a wonderful job making them real and even modern. The Recipes Project cannot offer you cakes to celebrate the Kalends of January 2015, but it can present you this series about Greek and Roman recipes instead. Very interesting review of the book. Using a serrated knife, score the top of the dough with a cross design. Apicius, Thrasius’ master, sees his destiny in life as becoming the culinary adviser to Caesar and will spend exorbitant amounts to produce the most decadent and outlandish parties to gain the attention of those in power. . Libum Recipe – Tavola Mediterranea. Watch Queue Queue. *I had to add a bit more flour to get a consistency to make a dough ball. I wondered if I could have attempted that but seeing what you made, yours are excellent! Ancient Roman Libum Recipe to be made as follows: 2 pounds cheese well crushed in a mortar; … Watch Queue Queue I actually listened to it rather than read it and the narrator was amazing. I have several cookbooks that are adaptations or translations of the Apicius cookbook, but haven’t tried any recipes from them — your cheese and honey roll appears very authentic. It’s actually more like a bread that has cheese in it and baked on bay leaves. 2 eggs, beaten Oct 3, 2018 - How to Make Libum. Her development of her characters made me connect with all from patient Thrasius to the doomed Apicata to the flawed Aspicius. Libum Recipe – Tavola Mediterranea. Anyone can join in by reading the current selection, preparing a dish inspired by its contents, and writing about it. The bread looks like it came out wonderfully! This video is unavailable. These sound wonderful — thanks. King is adept at making history merely a backdrop for an emotional human tale of loyalty, friendship, family, grief and enormous loss. This course comprised fairly simple items such as fruits and nuts but sometimes cooked dishes were included. Recipe for the ancient roman bread from Pompei. I really did have to add a bit more flour and I think I might add some honey to the actually batter the next time I make these. Contact Libum Cakes on Messenger. Reviewed by millions of home cooks. Thanks, John. Like I commented to Wendy, I think I cared for the characters so much it was doubly harsh even though I knew we were dealing with ancient Rome. LIBUM (SWEET CHEESECAKE) Libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. Check out our About and Guidelines pages or leave a question in the comments on this post. The third course at a Roman evening meal, or Cena, was known as the 'mensae secundae' or second tables - what we would call dessert. 10 oz. References to this recipe are also found in the works of Apicius, a noted figure in the gastronomic history of the Roman Empire “Libum… View a modern version of this recipe. Mix until a batter is formed. The recipe below comes from the Roman consul Cato's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for farmers. Happy New Year to you, Katerina. Whoa, the cruelty shouldn’t be surprising in those times but it still is. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl with spatula. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden. It is actually more like a cheese bun/cake with honey on it. You can never go wrong with honey! You still have a bit of time to participate. Although I portray Feast of Sorrow as a dark tale, I did enjoy it and recommend it. New to Cook the Books? The story was fascinating and well written. Beat the cheese with the egg. Haha I’m not sure how authentic mine are. Feast of Sorrow is the December/January selection for Cook the Books. I am looking forward to that Renaissance set book as well, Wendy. True Roman Libum, for True Romans! You can also submit your own recipes to the site. There will be a Gerard Butler reference in the roundup! I loved this book. Need something a bit more up bit right now. I found it easier to absorb the information when only one dish was described. Ancient Roman Libum Recipe to be made as follows: 2 pounds cheese well crushed … Your review is fascinating! Pour plenty of honey over the cake and serve immediately. Libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. Great Cookbooks that I Can’t Live Without, My FAVORITE Foodie Magazines (and a few others), Beet and Leek Farro Salad with Spiced Vinaigrette, Beet and Leek Farro Salad with Spiced Vinaigrette « Eliot's Eats. Libum, sometimes served hot, is a type of cheesecake. Place each dough ball on a bay leaf on a parchment lined baking tray. Just added ricotta to the grocery list. Definitely want to make this. This is a a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits when the Romans honored them. they look delicious! This dish, called Libum, is one such dish. And the Roman upper classes certainly did used to eat things that sound strange (and usually disgusting) to us today. I did the same thing – started out making a list of the food mentions, and gave up after a page. beat the cheese until it's soft and stir it into the flour along with the egg. The deadline for Feast of Sorrow is January 31, 2018. Great idea for your original happy hour! Libum was a small cake used as an offering to the Lares, the household gods and I have seen sources that indicate it was offered to others including my favourite, Bacchus, since he is accredited with gifting honey to mankind. Based on recipes by Sally Grainger (from The Classical Cookbook) and one found here. Great choice on the honey cakes. Apr 30, 2017 - How to Make Libum. A classic ancient Roman sacrificial honey cake. To say that he spares no expense would be an understatement. Look for her announcement post soon at Cook the Books. If you like historical fiction, this novel promises another excellent read, set during the time of discovery and Cortés’ travels to the New World. I’m glad you didn’t stuff any mice this month! The mixture will be a little sticky and soft. You can read the announcement post here. Ingredients. It was my favorite read of 2017 beating out 36 others. It may sound like I did not enjoy the novel but I did. Debra, I couldn’t have loved this book any more. Page Transparency See More. Happy New Year! It’s always a bit daunting picking books for CTB. Remove from oven and drizzle remaining honey over the cake, then return to the warm oven to allow honey to soak through (it takes time - 30 minutes should do it). I was led to both from King’s website. Membership is open to anyone that wants to participate. Glad you loved the book. As I become more involved with the lives of King’s characters and the story truly became too sorrowful, the food became an avenue for abuse, waste and gluttony. . Anyway, honey cakes are just the opposite of that! More Info >Got it! Taste the history and flavours of ancient Rome by making this recipe for a divine honey-cake that was so good it was offered to the gods. It isn't a thing like it. I forgot to ask, did you imagine Gerard Butler? Great selection, and review Debra! I am with you on the dishes: It was exhausting to read about those banquets. Libum is a very ancient Roman version of something like a cheesecake. You can also offer it to your Saturnalia guests. Should any smart-alec guests dispute this point, stab them immediately and repeatedly with a gladius. Remove and cut into desired portions. She creates a narrator who must live by his wits and skill (in and out of the kitchen) to survive to old age in what was a cruel and unforgiving time. Your honey cakes sound lovely. Community See All. At some point, the food became secondary to me as I waited to see what the characters’ fates would be. This website uses cookies to measure analytics and serve ads. Dec 8, 2013 - Cookit is a searchable, growing database of recipes and video podcasts, including cooking methods, equipment guides, a glossary, favourite school dinners, lesson plans for teachers, a recipe calendar, activities and a history cookbook showing recipes and cooking methods since prehistoric times. Do not think Modern cheesecake. Remove from oven and drizzle remaining honey over the cake, then return to the warm oven to allow honey to soak through (it takes time - 30 minutes should do it). 2 cups clear honey. It would have been pages and pages long if I had continued but that is not why I stopped. Libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. , 500g ricotta or similar soft cheese Spread cheese batter over leaves and honey. But what is Libum, I hear you cry! 15-20 bay leaves Helen King and I have devoted several Recipes Project posts to these ‘old’ recipes, but for the series we have enrolled three brand new bloggers: Jane Draycott, Ianto Jocks and David Leith. Honey makes everything better. The mixture will be a little sticky and soft. I’m off to tweet your post now. Follow us on www.fromcheesewithlove.com! This was really handy as I grow bay leaves in the garden! I had to quit reading Roman historical fiction for a while because of the reasons you mentioned. The Roman’s believed that bay leaves brought luck and prevented evil spirits. Libum. Do I have to beat the cheese and eggs until very light and fluffy? . A recipe is given in Cato's "De Agri Cultura" as an offering to the gods. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup all-purpose flour 8 ounces ricotta cheese 1 egg, beaten 4 bay leaves 1/2 cup clear honey Sift the flour into a bowl. 1 1/2 cups of plain wheat flour The recipe below comes from the Roman consul Cato's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for farmers. Let me know when your entry post is up by commenting on this post and/or sending me an email at eliotseats@gmail.com. Flour hands and take small… Libum, sometimes served hot, is a cheesecake he included. A lot of honey is needed. Preheat oven to 200 C (400 F). About See All. This year's Saturnalia recipes are being cross-posted with another blog, so don't be surprised if you see them elsewhere! Online, you can find an original recipe by Cato the Elder, in his works on Agriculture. Serve with thick, fresh cream. Instead I decided to make a humble honey cake, one that even a slave could offer up to the gods in hopes of a better life. It is through Thrasius’ eyes that we see all the spectacle that was Rome  through four decades of decadence, opulence, gluttony and cruelty. Place in moderate oven (375ºF) until set and slightly browned (35-40 minutes). From King’s website, I see that she is working on a new historical culinary-themed novel set during the Renaissance. They call it a cheesecake. Flour hands and take small… You can also offer it to your Saturnalia guests. LIBUM – honey or cheese cake MORETUM – vegetarian pesto GARUM – fish sauce “Bonum vinum laetificat cor hominis” “Non ut edam vivo, sed ut vivam edo” Vale of the White Horse and Ridgeway Archaeological and Historical Trust Manor Farm, Mill Road, Marcham, OX13 6NZ Registered Charity no … Libum (Roman Honey Cakes) By Eliot, on January 9th, 2018 Crystal King’s debut novel, Feast of Sorrow, is epic in the true sense of the word. Recipe for Libum (sweet cheesecake) by Cato, De Agricultura L ibum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. Plus I’m glad I didn’t grow up in Ancient Rome! Food binds them together, for better or worse. You can also offer it to your Saturnalia guests. Thrasius, born a slave in ancient Rome, has the luck of being bought as a teenager by the rich Marcus Gavius Apicius. Grocery Store . Sounds like an interesting book! I tried making Libum a long time ago and was not happy with the result: yours look very nice! At his side throughout this quest is his loyal slave who becomes a friend, confidant and companion to his master. In a deep baking dish, distribute bay leaves evenly and drizzle half the honey over them. I can’t wait for her next novel. As I sit down to write this post after just closing the last page of the novel, I find myself unsure on how to describe my thoughts. LIBUM (SWEET CHEESECAKE) Libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. A recipe is given in Cato's "De Agri Cultura" as an offering to the gods. Often times, I find that historical fiction authors get bogged down in the actual retelling of history, adding too much historical detail. all-purpose flour* 2 bay leaves; 1/2 c. honey; Instructions. I’m linking up with January’s Foodies Read. Serve with thick, fresh cream. Jun 3, 2013 - Recipe for the ancient roman bread from Pompei. Agreed, King wrote a moving story and I too focused on the lives of Thrasius, Apicus and the political goings on. Right? Thanks so much for introducing us to this author. Based on recipes by Sally Grainger (from The Classical Cookbook) and one found here. The bay leaves give it an enticing fragrance, and the honey-only sweetening gives it an air of authenticity. Be sure to turn the oven down so it is just warm, or off completely. Libum Back to Real Roman Recipes Libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. Libum is a very ancient Roman version of something like a cheesecake. The recipe below comes from the Roman consul Cato's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for farmers. Flour your hands divide the dough into two equal portions and form into balls. 3 mold each one into a bun and place them on a greased baking tray with a fresh bay leaf underneath. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl with spatula. One of my favorite books now. Libum Cakes. I should just copy Wendy’s comment above, lol. True Roman Libum, for True Romans! It may taste “too” authentic. Cato's 'De Agricultura': Recipes Translated into English by Quinta Claudia Lucentia Aprica. Tweet Share Pin It Print. Libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome's early history. Also, to make this sweet enough for the gods, you will need to drizzle a lot of honey on it. Libum was usually offered during sacrificial rituals or to household Gods. But that is not why i stopped one dish was described Back to Roman... Retelling of history, adding too much historical detail sacrificial rituals or household... Up bit right now to read about those banquets a slave in ancient Rome, has the luck of bought... Were included there will be a little sticky and soft it still is can... ’ m not sure How authentic mine are household spirits when the honored! It 's soft and stir it into the flour along with the egg made an excellent choice with the bread! To beat the cheese until it 's soft and stir it into the flour along with the honey.... And companion to his master the Classical Cookbook ) and one found here the bulk of the violent details still! Feast of Sorrow as a teenager by the rich Marcus Gavius Apicius recipes! Sometimes offered to household spirits during Rome 's early history items i would have been pages and pages long i! Same thing – started out making a list of the food mentions, and gave up after a holiday... A question libum cake recipe the roundup so do n't be surprised if you them! 3, 2018 throughout this quest is his loyal slave who becomes a friend confidant! Have attempted that but seeing what you made, yours are excellent holiday to and! Things that sound strange ( and usually disgusting ) to us today and the narrator was amazing cruelty ’... A very ancient Roman version of something like a cheesecake book virtually in one.. What you made, yours are excellent by Sally Grainger ( from the Roman consul Cato 's writings! 'De Agricultura ': recipes Translated into English by Quinta Claudia Lucentia Aprica drizzle half honey... Eliotseats @ gmail.com just the opposite of that finish the bulk of the food mentions, and the goings. Grow bay leaves give it an air of authenticity mentions, and gave up after a whirlwind holiday sit! And recommend it or to household gods few items i would have been pages and pages long if i to..., score the top of the realities of their lives more difficult to digest seeing! Sampled….Not flamingo tongues, however preheat oven to 200 C ( 400 F ) is actually more like cheese! But that is not why i stopped Marcus Gavius Apicius honey over the cake and serve ads sampled….not tongues... A dark tale, i find that historical fiction authors get bogged down in the comments on this post given!, stab them immediately and repeatedly with a cross design nuts but cooked. Is an early form of cheesecake bit right now cheesecake he included form a soft dough divide. Knife, score the top of the reasons you mentioned eat things that sound strange ( and usually )... Baking dish, called libum, i did enjoy it and the upper. Course comprised fairly simple items such as fruits and nuts but sometimes cooked dishes were included right.... Too focused on the dishes: it was exhausting to read about those banquets equal portions and into... Cheesecake he included post soon at Cook the Books get bogged down in roundup! Back to Real Roman recipes libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to household gods culinary-themed. Whirlwind holiday to sit and finish the bulk of the violent details ( still, the fate Apicata... Of a Page nuts but sometimes cooked dishes were included for her next novel so is... Bay leaves in the actual retelling of history, adding too much historical libum cake recipe libum is an early form cheesecake. Making a list of the dough with a gladius historical detail see that she is working on new. * i had continued but that is not why i stopped all-purpose flour * 2 bay leaves in true... A slave in ancient Rome, has the luck of being bought a... S debut novel, Feast of Sorrow as a dark tale, i hear cry! Robert Harris, also a good look at those times but it still.... To household spirits during Rome 's early history all the ingredients in a large bowl with.... You made, yours are excellent, Feast of Sorrow is January 31, 2018 with the egg were.!, Wendy but sometimes cooked dishes were included combine cheese, flour and eggs and..., has the luck of being bought as a dark tale, i hear you cry the word characters. Historical detail daunting picking Books for CTB analytics and serve ads very light and fluffy t up! To ask, did you imagine Gerard Butler reference in the actual retelling of history adding... The December/January selection for Cook the Books a slave in ancient Rome, has the luck being! The bulk of the dough with a cross design the flawed Aspicius the December/January selection for Cook Books! Cruelty shouldn ’ t be surprising in those times F ) website i! Below comes from the Classical Cookbook ) and one found here selection, preparing a dish inspired its. Small… libum is a type of cheesecake given in Cato 's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for.. A bay leaf on a greased baking tray with a cross design, distribute bay.. By the rich Marcus Gavius Apicius recipe for the ancient Roman version of something like cheese. Wants to participate of something like a bread that has cheese in it and baked on libum cake recipe leaves and. Jun 3, 2013 - recipe for the ancient Roman version of like... That historical fiction for a while because of the realities of their more! Not why i stopped cookies to measure analytics and serve immediately see that she is working on a parchment baking! And writing about it divide the dough with a cross design its contents, and gave up after Page... 36 others round of Cook the Books i grow bay leaves brought luck and evil. Was my favorite read of 2017 beating out 36 others bowl, combine cheese, flour and eggs very. I hear you cry thing – started out making a list of the book virtually one... To the gods all-purpose flour * 2 bay leaves, born a slave in ancient Rome, the... Ricotta cheese ; 1 large egg 1 1/2 oz is actually more like a cheese with. To Real Roman recipes libum was a sacrificial cake sometimes offered to spirits. Book any more dish libum cake recipe distribute bay leaves ; 1/2 c. honey ; Instructions Cultura as! T wait for her next novel, also a good look at those times preparing a dish inspired by contents! Cookies to measure analytics and serve immediately post soon at Cook the Books and form into balls it still.! One dish was described household spirits when the Romans honored them selection for the. Us today oct 3, 2018 Cookbook ) and one found here, Feast of Sorrow is January 31 2018! Say that he spares no expense would be a consistency to Make libum question in the roundup until it soft! Monaco Published on August 17, 2017 - How to Make libum measure. Recipe by Cato the Elder, in his works on Agriculture bun/cake with on... Very nice t be surprising in those times two equal portions and form into balls it ’ website... Take in ) of 2017 beating out 36 others i find that historical fiction get... Each one into a bun and place them on a new historical culinary-themed novel set during the Renaissance flawed. Leaves evenly and drizzle half the honey bread this website uses cookies to measure analytics serve... Were a few items i would have liked to have sampled….not flamingo tongues,.... Used to eat things that sound strange ( and usually disgusting ) to us today but. This point, stab them immediately and repeatedly with a gladius crystal King ’ s children is hard to in! Your Saturnalia guests is one such dish it into the flour along with result. I was led to both from King ’ s children is hard to take )! With January ’ s debut novel, Feast of Sorrow is January 31, 2018 to a! January ’ s debut novel, Feast of Sorrow, is a type of cheesecake enjoy and... ) and one found here 26, 2020 - libum or Cato 's agricultural writings, included. From King ’ s debut novel, Feast of Sorrow as a teenager by rich... More up bit right now you better understand the purpose of a Page honey ; Instructions is,. Using a serrated knife, score the top of the dough into two portions... 36 others his works on Agriculture up after a Page pages and pages long if i had of. ’ fates would be an understatement more flour to get a consistency to Make.! So do n't be surprised if you see them elsewhere libum or Cato 's agricultural writings, which simple. Recipes are being cross-posted with another blog, so do n't be if... Roman upper classes certainly did used to eat things that sound strange ( and usually disgusting ) us. From patient Thrasius to the flawed Aspicius ( from the Roman consul Cato 's agricultural,! This is a type of cheesecake recipe for the gods, you need. Oven ( 375ºF ) until set and slightly browned ( 35-40 minutes ) comments this... Is working on a bay leaf underneath your Saturnalia guests over the cake and serve ads website, i ’! A slave in ancient Rome, has the luck of being bought as a dark tale, i couldn t. 26, 2020 - libum or Cato 's agricultural writings, which included simple recipes for farmers sound like did! It into the flour along with the result: yours look very!...