Oct 2009 - present
4.8
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S11 Ep10
10.0
8th Sep 2020
Chef Staib travels to the town of Zoar, Ohio, established by German separatists in the 19th century. He learns what can be accomplished with a strong sense of community, and prepares familiar recipes from his homeland such as spaetzle and gaisburger marsch.
S11 Ep7
10.0
17th Aug 2020
Chef Staib visits the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental United States: St. Augustine, Florida. Authentic Spanish dishes are prepared including gambas al ajillo, fabada asturiana, and gazpacho.
S10 Ep2
10.0
25th Jun 2019
Sausage dumplings with a mushroom ale sauce and roasted potatoes with sausage and sage are prepared.
S9 Ep5
10.0
20th Jul 2018
Mrs. Goodfellow was a successful baker and teacher who opened the first finishing school in America. Chef Walter Staib and Pastry Chef Diana recreate some of her most notable creations, including lemon meringue pie.
S6 Ep9
10.0
Benjamin Franklin – at Home in London - Benjamin Franklin lived in London prior to the America’s Declaration of Independence, hoping to assuage Britain’s abuses of the Colonies and prevent war. Chef Staib visits London and the Ben Franklin House while illuminating this entrepreneur, scientist and diplomat who helped mold the new America. Chef Staib cooks Ben Franklin’s own recipes for Lettuce and anchovy soup, stuffed lobster, venison loaf, succotash and parmesan cheesecake.
S6 Ep7
10.0
The intoxicating island of spices – Grenada - America’s War of Independence took hold, the South East Caribbean became a powder keg of activity. Chef Staib visits Grenada, the spice capital of the world and the home of nutmeg, a spice that in the 18th century was worth its weight in gold. Chef Staib cooks with local chefs to make oil down and more famous local island dishes.
S6 Ep5
10.0
First generation Irish American – General Hand – Born in Ireland, General Hand came to America in the British army. Hand exemplifies the spirit of the colonists that viewed themselves as the New American and was eager to fight for his newly adopted country. Chef Staib cooks cabbage soup with meat dumplings, roasted stuffed pork stomach with pan gravy, steamed leeks with Irish bacon and Irish soda bread.
S5 Ep13
10.0
9th Oct 2013
On this special episode, Chef Walter takes us to the island of Turks and Caicos, and prepares Caribbean delights such as Conch Chowder and Cod Fish Cakes. We tour the Caribbean to see how important it was to the Revolutionary War, and to remember the wonderful Tastes of History we have sampled there.
S5 Ep11
10.0
25th Sep 2013
Washington, DC is the capital of the USA that began as a grand vision of Pierre L’Enfant. Chef Staib honors this French architect by preparing a Taste of History: Liver Dumplings, Veal Tongue Fricassee, Sautéed Heirloom Carrots and for dessert, Chocolate Mousse Cake.
S5 Ep9
10.0
11th Sep 2013
Before Europeans landed in North America, Native Americans lived in respect for the land, and did not feel they owned it. When Europeans arrived, everything changed. In this touching episode, Chef Staib shows us two 18th Century examples of how the Colonists devastated and displaced the Native Americans living here. He cooks Cornmeal Fried Catfish, Stuffed Squash, Maple Baked Beans and Corn and Cranberry Pancakes in honor of them.
S5 Ep5
10.0
14th Aug 2013
Chef Walter Staib visits New Mexico for the chili pepper harvest and learns the many wonderful ways they are prepared for a delicious and spicy Taste of History from New Mexico. Chef Staib prepares Short Ribs, Red Polenta and a Wild Boar Chile.
S1 Ep6
10.0
28th Nov 2009
In this next episode at Monticello, we tour “the Dependencies” that housed the beer and wine cellars and the ice house, to learn how 18th Century food was harvested and stored. Chef Staib also borrows Jefferson’ kitchen to prepare Bouilli, a favorite boiled beef dish of Jefferson’s, along with Bouillon Potatoes.
S1 Ep1
1.0
24th Oct 2009
We all know Martha Washington from her portraits as a dowdy grandmother, but did you know that there is new evidence she was a beautiful and passionate wife befitting her handsome George? And that Martha was the secret weapon that kept troop morale high during the hard winter’s encampment at Valley Forge? We prepare Martha’s authentic Turkey Stew with Oysters and speak with well-known Martha Washington expert Patricia Brady.
S7 Ep4
4.0
Cognac is a sophisticated libation that thrived during prohibition and continues to influence food trends to this day. It is also the name of a French town where Chef Staib travels and reveals the fascinating history of this celebrated spirit. The story of this unique liquor is told by the experts at Hennessy, the name synonymous with cognac, who explain their heritage and passion for their continuing pursuit for l’art de vivre. In Cognac, Chef Staib visits a sturgeon farm and prepares A Taste of History with Smoked Sturgeon, Roasted Breast of Pigeon with Foie Gras and Chocolate Sabayon with Cognac.
S5 Ep10
5.0
18th Sep 2013
Various religions coexisted and flourished in colonial America – a nation founded in part on the principal of religious. To celebrate our pluralism, Chef Staib prepares Calf Brains with Butter and Capers and Beef Royale, for a Taste of History.
S5 Ep12
5.0
2nd Oct 2013
Chef Staib discovers A Taste of History in the origins of Japanese sushi. Kobe Japan is the backdrop for the secrets of sushi-making and demystifying the most prized and pampered beef in the world, Kobe Beef. This visual spectacle from Japan includes a tour of the Imperial Palace grounds and a visit with geisha.
S9 Ep1
6.0
22nd Jun 2018
Chef Walter Staib uncovers the life of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and the Battle of Paoli - an event that inspired America's first battle cry, "Remember Paoli!" Recipes include braised short ribs, Pennsylvania dutch gratin, and more.
S11 Ep8
6.0
24th Aug 2020
Chef Staib visits a Louisville homestead once frequented by former presidents and the explorers of the American frontier. Recipes include burgoo, chicken leek pie, and more.
S6 Ep2
7.0
Winning the war with bread – Chef Walter Staib bakes some of America’s favorites, inspired by George Washington’s Baker General, Christopher Ludwig. A native German, he brought the art of gingerbread making to Philadelphia and volunteered his services to the army to keep everyone fed in camps. Chef Staib roasts a turkey to demonstrate how to make a classic turkey pot pie from scratch, then makes the dough and filling then finishes the meal with gingerbread and poached pears.
S6 Ep8
7.0
Discovering China’s past - From the Great Wall to the forbidden city, Beijing is steeped in history. Join Chef Staib as he treks the Great Wall and battles mana-shrimp. Then Staib travels up the Yangtze River through City of Ghosts and into Sichuan to cook with the famed Sichuan peppercorn and sample the original hot-pot. Along the way he cooks on board a ship and makes a classic Chinese feast of tripe, spicy peanut and peppercorn sauce, pot stickers, Chonging style chicken, steamed buns and more.
S6 Ep12
7.0
The roots of Creole cooking in St Lucia – In the 18th century St. Lucia changed hands between the British and English fourteen times. The indigenous Amerindians lost much from these battles, but to this day, they display the British language and government and the French flair for cuisine, art and culture. Chef Walter Staib returns to St Lucia to explore the Creole influence and sample a Taste of History. On this show, Chef Staib cooks Creole cooking with local experts.
S7 Ep8
7.5
George Washington’s tent, his mobile headquarters, survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Chef Walter Staib serves up A Taste of History, preparing contrasting Army cuisines with the rustic Pot-au-Feu to Whiskey Cake, Washington’s indulgence.
S5 Ep4
8.0
7th Aug 2013
Chef Walter Staib travels to New Mexico and recounts the incredible journey of migration to our early Southwest .Chef Staib visits Taos Pueblo, and prepares authentic People of the Red Willow recipes of Atole, a Blue Corn Porridge, and Elk Stew for a special Taste of History.
S5 Ep6
8.0
21st Aug 2013
Berlin has had its fair share of war and peace. Berlin also has a connection to Colonial America through the King of Prussia. Chef Staib prepares authentic German favorites, Konigsberger Klopse Meatballs in Caper Sauce, Eisbein Pork Shanks, and Apple Strudel for dessert for a genuine Taste of History
S1 Ep1
1.0
24th Oct 2009
We all know Martha Washington from her portraits as a dowdy grandmother, but did you know that there is new evidence she was a beautiful and passionate wife befitting her handsome George? And that Martha was the secret weapon that kept troop morale high during the hard winter’s encampment at Valley Forge? We prepare Martha’s authentic Turkey Stew with Oysters and speak with well-known Martha Washington expert Patricia Brady.
S1 Ep2
31st Oct 2009
As early as 1690, German settlers left Europe for religious freedom in the new world of North America. They settled in the Philadelphia area, and immediately started to contribute to the innovations and spirit of our new country. In this episode, Chef Walter Staib prepares ale-braised sausages and shows us how his German ancestors helped to make America great.
S1 Ep3
7th Nov 2009
General von Steuben was a German officer who volunteered to help Washington battle the British monarchy. Before von Steuben was finished at Valley Forge, he had instituted a discipline to the rag tag army that made them a determined fighting force that would eventually win the war. Chef Staib prepares Braised Rabbit Legs and Potato Cakes in honor of his favorite Continental soldier, General von Steuben.
S1 Ep4
14th Nov 2009
In preparation for that all-important Christmas night in 1776 when Washington led his troops across the Delaware River for a surprise attack on the British at Trenton, he ordered one of their heartiest and favorite meals to be ready upon their return, Pepperpot Soup with Cornbread. We conclude the first season of A Taste of History as Chef Staib makes this West-Indies influenced dish again, right at that same spot along the Delaware, with revolutionary troops at his side to celebrate that all important victory.
S1 Ep5
21st Nov 2009
We start a special four-part series cooking in Thomas Jefferson’s actual kitchen at Monticello, his Virginia home. Chef Staib prepares Jefferson’s favorite exotic dish, Stuffed Cabbage with Fried Asparagus. We also tour Jefferson’s estate and gardens, where we learn how important discovering and growing foods was to our third President.
S1 Ep6
10.0
28th Nov 2009
In this next episode at Monticello, we tour “the Dependencies” that housed the beer and wine cellars and the ice house, to learn how 18th Century food was harvested and stored. Chef Staib also borrows Jefferson’ kitchen to prepare Bouilli, a favorite boiled beef dish of Jefferson’s, along with Bouillon Potatoes.
S1 Ep7
5th Dec 2009
Jefferson carefully cultivated over 330 vegetable varieties, along with a host of fruits, in his legendary garden. It has been said that everything we need to know about human nature can be learned in Jefferson’s garden. Chef Staib prepares White Bean and Bacon Soup, Chicken Fricassee, and Herbed Barley. We also tour the amazing Monticello Visitor’s Center.
S1 Ep8
12th Dec 2009
During his five years abroad as Minister to France, Jefferson’s culinary tastes were refined, and he sought to bring all of French cooking’s recipes and ingredients to the US. In this episode, we get to know James Hemings, Jefferson’s slave cook who accompanied Jefferson to learn the ways of French cuisine. We also meet Jefferson’s long-time Monticello cooks, Edith Hern Fossett and Fanny Hern. Chef Staib prepares a tour-de-force final meal in Jefferson’s kitchen: Curried Lamb and with Rice Pilaf and Stewed Mushrooms, along with Leni Sorensen, Monticello’s expert on the slave cooks who worked there.
S1 Ep9
19th Dec 2009
Wild geese were plentiful in 18th Century America and were prized both for their meat and their layer of fat. Chef Staib prepares a typical winter meal of Goose with Turnips, along with Crab Cake with Herb Remoulade. We also visit Harriton House and see how a root cellar was a key part of 18th Century kitchens.
S1 Ep10
26th Dec 2009
The foundations of the President’s Residence in Philadelphia, where Washington lived, have recently been excavated, showing where the slave quarters were located in the original White House. The Washingtons relied upon and highly regarded their slave chef, Hercules, who was known to all guests as the best chef in the country. In this episode, Chef Staib prepares a Hercules signature dish, Veal Olives, along with a White Bean and Shallot Purée.
S1 Ep11
2nd Jan 2010
18th Century Philadelphia was on the Southern trade route, with ships arriving daily from the West Indies. In this episode, we discover that dishes like Salmon Escoveitch and Salmon Corn Cakes got their flair from West Indies spices, which were abundant in that era. We are also introduced to the Subscription Room – the world news headquarters of its time.
S1 Ep12
9th Jan 2010
From discovering how to harness electricity to inventing reading glasses and publishing the first daily newspaper in America, Ben Franklin’s genius was a spark that helped to launch a country. We visit the American Philosophical Society, which Franklin founded, to learn more about this most amazing man. Chef Staib prepares Braised Oxtail, and he toasts Franklin with his authentic Spruce Beer.
S1 Ep13
16th Jan 2010
Philadelphia’s docks were very busy in the 18th century, receiving ships from as far away as Portugal, laden with precious cargo, Madeira wine. George Washington and the rest of the country was in love with this new wine, which was all the rage in America. Chef Staib prepares Chicken Madeira using this wine along with Spätzle and Chestnut Fritters.
A Taste of History is a TV cooking series that explores America’s culinary beginnings from the birthplace of American cuisine. This innovative series brings America’s history to life and makes it vibrant as we step back in time and get to know the founders of our country through the food they ate and the recipes they prepared.
The first episode of A Taste of History aired on October 24, 2009.
The last episode of A Taste of History aired on September 21, 2020.
There are 140 episodes of A Taste of History.
There are 11 seasons of A Taste of History.
Yes.
A Taste of History is set to return for future episodes.