Movie Menus Recipes for Perfect Meals With Your Favorite Films

ONE pharaohs and philosophers: ancient times coming attractions milk and honey griddle bread herbed olive puree chickpea dip minty garlic spread assorted stuffed figs feature presentation lamb on skewers with mint marmalade chicken from ancient africa shrimp with feta pea and dill puree closing credits stuffed dates peaches in spiced wine lights, camera, action! finger-food buffet movie suggestions Hollywood epics inspired by the Bible and ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome include some of the best films ever created. Pyramids, mummies, gladiators, Roman conquerors, and the Greek myths make for exciting adventures. Who can forget scenes like the parting of the Red Sea in The Ten Commandments, the chariot race in Ben-Hur, and Russell Crowe's battles in Gladiator? These spectacular movies help bring the past to life, and sampling a meal of that time can further enhance the experience. This chapter explores the foods and dining customs during that vibrant age and serves up a tasty menu created from ancient writings and archaeological finds. Many recipes come from the Roman On Cookery, thought to be the oldest surviving cookbook. Other recipes are taken from The Philosopher's Banquet, written by a Greek living in ancient Rome, detailing the foods and dining customs of Greece's golden age. The ancients dined reclining on couches, and although they ate some admittedly strange things, like stuffed mice, roasted flamingo tongue, and grilled cow womb, they also enjoyed familiar favorites such as pizza, focaccia, and lasagna. There are many interesting taste combinations to rediscover from their time. So, sit backor rather, lie backand dine like a Roman emperor while you watch your favorite epic and try some of these succulent dishes, which can be served meze-style, on shared platters, eaten with fingers, as was done in antiquity. MILK AND HONEY GRIDDLE BREAD SERVES 6 No son could have more love for you than I. CHARLTON HESTON, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, 1956 III In The Ten Commandments, Charlton Heston's real-life infant son played the baby Moses. This recipe for moist and flavorful griddle bread is a reminder of the flatbreads that the Jews, led by Moses, ate during their exodus from Egypt. Delicious alone or wrapped around salami or grilled asparagus, it's also great for scooping up stews and dips. 4 OUNCES FETA CHEESE 3 TABLESPOONS HONEY 1/2 TEASPOON SALT 1/2 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR, PLUS MORE AS NEEDED OLIVE OR VEGETABLE OIL 1.In a large bowl, mash the feta, honey, and salt together with a fork until well combined. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Using your hands, knead the dough in the bowl until smooth. Cover in plastic wrap and allow to rest, at room temperature, for about 20 minutes. 2.Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and on a very lightly floured work surface roll each section into a very thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. 3.Lightly oil a nonstick pan and over medium-low heat cook the circles until golden, about 1 minute per side. Serve warm. And I felt His words take the sword from my hand! -CHARLTON HESTON, BEN-HUR, 1959 Ben-Hur was the first film ever nominated for twelve Academy Awards and ties for the record of most won, eleven, with Titanic. Ben-Hur earned actor Charlton Heston his only career Oscar. Theaters did not sell food during the showing of Ben-Hur, as the movie was considered too important to allow for the usual popcorn chomping. HERBED OLIVE PUREE SERVES 10 Somebody put too many olives in my martini last nSegan, Francine is the author of 'Movie Menus Recipes for Perfect Meals With Your Favorite Films', published 2004 under ISBN 9780812969924 and ISBN 0812969928.