Feeding a Medieval Outlaw

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Subtitles: Jose Mendoza | IG @worldagainstjose
PHOTO CREDITS
Rockingham Castle: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons
#tastinghistory #robinhood #medieval

[@TastingHistory]

Check out these other interesting Medieval recipes: Medieval Tournaments: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rancoYh4arBjgac Peasant Food: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzEZnqIqpl_rac Medieval Saint Diet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHO1h6mDopirrJI Medieval Monks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKuTqmSaa658prs

[@augustuswayne9676]

You should remove that silver skin from your venison tenderloin . It will be more tender.

[@delaineu7340]

Have you tried atta flour from India? Completely different beast than American whole wheat flour, stone ground. Not stiff and tough, more as if you've mixed whole and white flours. I'm thinking it's more like old world whole wheat.

[@lillithcollins5192]

"She was a fox..." The groan I let out was so long and loud it scared the cat. Well done sir, a dad-joke for the ages.

[@MossyMozart]

@Lillith Collins - Fathers are most definitely not the only persons to tell bad jokes. ^_^

[@yokai333]

The lack of Roger Rees or Mel brooks made me feel sad

[@KGKSkull]

@@MossyMozart well, good bad jokes, if you want just bad jokes, go look at Amy Schumer

[@j.d.4697]

Why, that was a good one. 😁

[@jbvader721]

Well, if "Yo Mama" jokes can date all the way back to Shakespeare, then "dad jokes" can be just as old, if not older.

[@theeddorian]

One of my friends, a descendant of Cornish miners who came to California and worked in Nevada County, told me once that the thick rim of crust around a pasty was actually a handle. Miners frequently had no means of washing their hands for lunch, so food with a built-in handle was a good thing. The rim could be discarded if your hands were really dirty. He also remarked that the only proper "sauce" was mustard pickle.

[@its_clean]

That makes sense. A lot of old recipes for pasties and pies regarded the crust as a container and cooking vessel first, and an edible component of the dish second. I believe that's why you rarely see any effort put into making the crust itself more flavorful or pleasant- the sturdy, tasteless hot water crust was intended to be functional, not delicious. Even still today, the denser parts of the crust, like the edges and crimped areas, are so dense and flavorless that some people don't bother to eat them.

[@ImInLoveWithBulla]

Beyond that, a lot of mining was extremely toxic work, so their hands wouldn’t just be dirty. They’d be dangerous. The handle served as a safety net.

[@striker1553]

Gravy or Ketchup now. haha The UP has the best pasties now!

[@annalisette5897]

Adding to what someone said below, the thick edge of the Cornish pastie was indeed a handle, intended to be discarded because of the toxic minerals on the miners' hands.

[@AmazinglyAwkward]

100% true! I'm just surprised us Brits have such an affinity for pastry as I've always considered pastry a French thing...

[@TheSpartan451]

"Real Outlaws of Medieval England" sounds like an amazing reality TV show.

[@Slippery-Hand]

Sounds like the The real bros of Simi Valley

[@Euripides_Panz]

Not as amazing as the soundtrack.

[@navybill1984]

I laughed way too hard at "Maid Marion was a fox!" so thank you for that. Definitely needed it

[@TastingHistory]

Glad I could make you laugh 😁

[@bretabel1642]

I had to pause the video and go take a walk after a pun like that

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

Likewise, that pun made me snort at work I do love those random laugh.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m going to sound cheesy but Max and Jose are Merry Men who steal all our hearts.

[@RoseOfTexas5881]

And what about Jamie?

[@PokhrajRoy.]

@@RoseOfTexas5881 Yes, Jaime too.

[@zerowolf0006]

They stole our hearts get them!!!

[@jamesfracasse8178]

Ohh I thought he was still on the market but good health and fortune to him and Jose and Jamie the cat 🐈😺.

[@odinfromcentr2]

​@@PokhrajRoy. I must pet those cats. 🐱🐱

[@Firegen1]

Merrily Gentleman Max rode on Hooray hooray He sought the food of an outlaw Hooray hooray He cut a fine figure in front of an stove Building out a story from those on the rove Riding into a tastible history Every Tuesday like today

[@TastingHistory]

I like this one ☝️

[@Firegen1]

​@@TastingHistory Thanks Boss!

[@adedow1333]

Well written! I even have a melody going through my head to match it! (No, it's not "Brave, Brave Sir Robin")

[@kurtsteiner901]

Encore bard, encore.

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love this! (Maybe could be used in another medieval episode??)

[@joshuakirkham9593]

"Robin Hood was a fan of pretty things, I mean look at Maid Marian; she was a fox." 😀 Deadpan delivery too.

[@davidm9612]

My mind went straight to Mel Brooks' Maid Marian when I heard him say that, then I turned and looked at the image Max put on the screen 😂 (I've never seen the Disney Robin Hood)

[@googleuser9009]

That Maid Marian thing about being a fox nearly made me spit out my beer. Hilarious

[@dwaynezilla]

I like how everyone's always smiling while some gruesome acts are going on in this medieval art. Even the guy getting a sword plunged into his head, and the dudes doing it. IT'S JUST A PRANK BRO

[@belisarius6949]

:) Why are you stabbing me :D

[@emwhaibee]

'cause poaching bro! @ 10:29 @ 13:45

[@RonLaws]

Thou art removeth mine head :D

[@emmythemac]

Forsooth! Merely dudes acting as brothers!

[@evakatrinaa]

Hey haha you crazy guys ☺️

[@hollyevolving]

I'm a medieval re-enactor and I have helped cook an entire haunch of venison that turned out well...but we absolutely threw period cooking out the window on that one. Coated in a mix of butter, herbs, wine, and barbecue sauce, wrapped in foil (yes, we wrapped a whole venison haunch in foil. it was indeed ridiculous, except that it worked), and grilled over a low flame, turning frequently until it came out tender and juicy. My group was working a small, local renaissance faire and we cooked that for ourselves after hours.

[@KnitsHooksandNeedle]

I bet it's fun doing reenactments. I've gone to a festival. I could live there forever, I swear. A good friend of mine basically made it a job to travel with one. I wish I could. How did you get into it?

[@jacobshelt01]

@@KnitsHooksandNeedle good question 🙋‍♂️

[@melskunk]

I was going to say it didn’t seem THAT bad until you got to bbq sauce and foil. Leeeetle anachronistic 🤏

[@emmythemac]

that sounds delicious tbh

[@ShinKyuubi]

That sounds delicious...and makes me wanna go to the local Ren Fair...haven't been in a couple years as I don't like to go to stuff like that with less than $1000 for buying stuff...that's not including ticket and gas costs btw, that's just what I wanna use while I'm there. I might be able to swing going in 2024...2025 at the latest, it happens EARLY in the year though...it's actually coming up next month, it last from April to June on the weekends.

[@MrCombatmedic00]

The first time I had heard of pasties in relation to Robin Hood, was from a separate tale involving little John. He had snuck into a castles kitchen, and as he was ransacking the pantry and larder, the mountainous cook arrived and they had a melee. In the end, Little John won the brawl and sat upon the beaten cooks body as he helped himself to the roasts and pasties, but seeing how numerous the food was, and how delicious the food the cook had made, Little John got up, dusted the cook off, sat him down, poured him a mug of ale, and they both sat and ate the meal together, having met an equal in conquering strength and an equal in conquering an appetite.

[@Eloraurora]

It's hilarious how many of the individual Robin Hood stories boil down to 'dudes meet, get mad, fight, become friends.'

[@PassTheMarmalade1957]

Seeing clips of Disney's Prince John always makes me smile. My husband does a wonderful impression of him. "Hiss!!! You're never around when I need you!"

[@TheBreadthatcausedLesMis]

I worked as part of the learning team at Nottingham Castle prior to its liquidation. One of the main people mentioned in the Robin Hood Experience at the castle for Robin Hoods inspiration is William of Cassingham (Kensham) who raised a gueriila force of archers in the forest during the first Barons war. Albeit in support of King John. During the cave tour of King Davids dungeon that we offered, in the Romylowe's cave part of the tour we also mention how Stephen Romylowe Constable of Nottingham Castle during the time of Edward III when the first Robin Hood tales were being spread could be the original Sheriff of Nottingham.

[@RazorO2Productions]

Wait, what happened to the castle? 😭

[@xessenceofinsanityx]

@@RazorO2Productions Went bankrupt because of low visitor numbers (It's also not the original... my mum calls it 'a georgian office block')

[@dansharpe2364]

I used to take my two young daughters to the castle on rainy weekends. The rather quirky museum over several floors was endlessly fascinating to two inquisitive young girls, and when they were very small the occasionally changing childrens room was a delight.

[@RazorO2Productions]

@@xessenceofinsanityx Was it demolished??

[@SuperBrutalCabbage]

@@RazorO2Productions it’s still there think whoever owns it is just deciding what to do with it. The surrounding area is full of touristy Robin Hood themed shops so it’s sad that they also might go out of business due to lack of footfall in the area. I love Nottingham so it’s sad to see one of the big iconic areas of the city in such a bad state.

[@snerdie1997]

13:47 I like how poor Roger is smiling as a sword is driven into his skull. In fact, everyone looks like they're having a grand time!

[@maudline]

Old timey acupuncture

[@alexwilson3812]

Yes everyone do

[@polyquaternium7]

Tis but a scratch!

[@IllyDragonfly]

Yeah, even when the outlaws get blinded, everybody seems enjoying like yaaaaay! Mutilation! What the hell???

[@alexwilson3812]

@@IllyDragonfly what do you think about it then

[@ThePawsOfDeception]

To be fair (speaking as an ex-archaeologist who grew up around it) the New Forest was a royal hunting ground in Saxon times, before William came along. However, he did extend it and introduced much more draconian laws concerning poaching. Brilliant as ever Max, thanks! I hope you always manage to find more interesting old recipes and never lose your passion for making them and presenting them, with their historical context, so well.

[@nanettegauthier8239]

Maid Marion is a fox, and her nurse is a chicken the size of a linebacker. Thank you so much 😍 That's my favorite reference ever

[@reptile_3335]

Well at this point my boss understands that I sometimes show up late because of your videos. Worth it.

[@TastingHistory]

😂 don’t get in trouble on my account!

[@gokce9521]

Leave your job, rob people and eat pie in the forest.

[@shadibeidas1]

​@@TastingHistory nor from your account. :-p

[@lootownica]

Bring him some historical snacks, and you'll be forgiven 🥨🍖🥟

[@missvidabom]

@@lootownica Perhaps hermit cookies?

[@TheMirazor]

Living in Nottinghamshire being only a few minutes drive from Sherwood Forest, it's great to learn something I eat everyday is so closely related to the history here!

[@noobbotgaming2173]

Damn when I visit England this year I want to visit Sherwood Forest and chill with some food there.

[@ThornbackHag]

High five from Meden Vale

[@jimg9820]

@@noobbotgaming2173 Much of the forest has gone over the years, but around Edwinstowe there are still some pretty old oaks in the woods, which give a good idea of what the forest was like. I've seen quite a few deer around Nottinghamshire so we do still have them!

[@Avarren]

You eat venison pasties every day? I’m a bit jealous.

[@DSlyde]

I really want a collab between Max and the Townsends. Wholesome historical cooking youtube unite.

[@tabithamashburn8786]

I want to see Max on Good Mythical Morning!

[@davidm9612]

Overly Sarcastic Productions did a really good video on the legend of Robin Hood a few years back, and honestly, I reckon a collab between them and Max would be amazing (Not least for the joy of seeing Red animate a little caricature of Max)

[@TheGypsyVanners]

Um pretty sure there have been I believe it's how I found Max.

[@DSlyde]

@@TheGypsyVanners please link it if I missed it.

[@gigitastic90]

I live in Michigan and Pasties are very popular here particularly in our Upper Peninsula (also called the U.P). They came over from Cornwall in the 1840s with miners originally and became very popular because we had a large amount of copper miners and lumberjacks and work perfectly as a easy hand held food with the crust doing double duty as a handle because their hands were often filthy (many times covered in dangerous things like arsenic ) and could then be thrown away. They have become quite possible one of the most iconic foods of the Upper Peninsula (maybe second only to Mackinac Island fudge) if not the entire state.

[@donnabenda2682]

Yes I lived in the U.P. For almost 30 years! The pasty is indeed a mainstay of yooper cuisine! But boiling a venison tenderloin is almost sacrilege!! And the pasty needs potatoes and onions added! 😃😋

[@gigitastic90]

@@donnabenda2682 It's not a real U.P pasty without potato's and onions and I agree! I think I have only ever had a beef Pasty I don't even know if they make other kinds of meat versions to be honest.

[@stargirl7646]

Yay more Michiganders! Yeah this needs some rutabaga 😂

[@abhersch]

Talk about timing- I just finished baking a batch of Michigan Pasties right before I came out and saw this video. They are the best- my recipe has top round steak, potatoes, onion, and either turnips or rutabagas. I love them!

[@tor5623]

Yup! Born and raised yooper and I remember doing pastie fundraisers where we’d all get together at the school and hand make pasties for sale

[@marmotarchivist]

Very nice video. In university, I wrote a thesis on historical poaching as a social crime, as the hunting laws were so restrictive for all except a small elite, that many poor people had to resort to poaching in order to feed their families. There were even some regions, where the nobles wanted to have an insane amount of deer to hunt for pleasure, so the woods were overflowing with animals and they would eat the wheat on the fields. But the peasants would go to jail or worse if they killed the deer, so all they could do was to guard their fields all night and make a lot of noise to keep the dear away. It’s quite a fascinating topic in my opinion.

[@Otakupatriot117]

It's not like my poaching is hurting anyone. The Jarl can hardly eat every deer himself now can he?

[@SplatterInker]

Not the point though is it, when status gets involved.

[@joebenzz]

@@Otakupatriot117 😄👍

[@Swedishmafia101MemeCorporation]

@@Otakupatriot117 "Never should've come here!"

[@mccleod6235]

It wasn't all species that were forbidden. Rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, pheasants, etc etc were all permitted to be hunted.

[@julietsmith5925]

Becomes more hilarious when you recall that the term "merry" means "drunk".

[@sbsaez2432]

hi max, for the show have you ever looked into making nicuatole? it’s a prehispanic mexican dessert with both a contemporary recipe and some documented ancient ones. it’s a really unique bit of food history that would be a great fit for the channel 😊

[@deniaridley]

Yes, more pre-Columbian vittles please!

[@mimic1176]

In my senior undergrad year, I took a class with one of the foremost Robin Hood scholars in the US. We got to read a LOT of the original stories, plenty of scholarly essays, and even watched a few movies. She mostly covered the legend, so I really enjoyed hearing about the candidates for the original outlaw. Thanks for another rousing history lesson!

[@Roguefem76]

Lol, I love you for not only including my favorite version of RH but also making the "Maid Marion was a fox" joke. This recipe actually sounds pretty good, I might have to try making it or something similar as lunches for work!

[@TastingHistory]

I made myself giggle with that one 😅

[@anndownsouth5070]

So glad to see and hear others also love that cartoon version of RH. Saw it as a kid and loved it.

[@aridragonbeard745]

@@TastingHistory I suspect you got a lot of us with that 😆

[@katarjin]

@@anndownsouth5070 I blame it for making me a Furry

[@anndownsouth5070]

@katarjin lol. Who do you associate with Maid Marion, Friar Tuck, or Sir Hiss. 😜🤪

[@EPICFAILKING1]

My friend lives a two minute drive away from the church in which Robin Hood got married, in Yorkshire. Now Robin Hood is renowned for being from Nottingham but that just goes to show how vast the Sherwood Forest once was, it stretched hundreds of miles over many counties. Sadly only remnants remain, like much of Britain's ancient forests and woodlands.

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

R Hood is a fictional character

[@Lightice1]

@@FireflyOnTheMoon Better to say that Robin Hood is a fictionalised character. He has at least one, but quite possibly several real life inspirations. For instance Robert or Robyn Hode who was outlawed, pardoned and employed by King Edward II. The earliest Robin Hood ballads seem to take inspiration from his life. The name Robin Hood is much older than that, though, and apparently was a general alias for outlaws for centuries.

[@danielbeck9191]

Some of trees were cut just to clear the land, but most were harvested for use. The trees supplied wood for many uses---construction lumber, furniture making, hand tools, etc. But also remember that wood was also the principal FUEL until COAL mining became more productive. The transition to coal as a fuel enabled the industrial revolution, but also prevented the complete deforestation of Europe.

[@madtabby66]

@@FireflyOnTheMoon true but Whitehorse Yukon has a Robert Service “graveyard” Some people claim it’s haunted. Not sure how it’s haunted by fictional characters. Especially Sam McGee who was cremated.

[@manmaje3596]

I’m so thrilled you mentioned the new forest. I live just 40 minutes away from it and nowadays it’s one of England’s most treasured national parks. It really is a magical place steeped in the history of witchcraft and magic and there are also ancient tribal kings of Britain buried across it. The local produce is fantastic aswell. Preserves, creams, cakes, fudge, scones all utterly delicious. There are also quite a few pretty villages scattered across all displaying their own unique variety of new forest charm. 😊

[@yippee8570]

I was always told the origin of the pasty was in Cornwall for tin miners. The wives would bake thick, inedible pastry filled with essentially a thick stew and the miners would eat just the insides because tin is poisonous and they would have it all over their hands. I guess that was part true, part old wives tale. Such a fascinating video!

[@ajrwilde14]

pasties are eaten all over Britain, the Cornish style is native to Cornwall though

[@alexisgrunden1556]

An Olde English woodsman would likely also know how to forage for things like three-cornered leeks, wild spring onions (scallions), wild garlic and vetch (free-range, wild-growing "weed" peas), nettle leaf, wood sorrel or sheep's sorrel, and wild carrots (Queen Anne's Lace). A little knowledge can go a long way~

[@JCHB322]

Lol at 6:36... "Look at Maid Marian! She was a fox!" Yes, she was... quite literally! (Disney's Robin Hood will always be my favorite telling of the tale!) Love your videos, Max! They always make me smile (and hungry!) Can't wait to get your cookbook! 🤤 🥰

[@swatb2719]

Yes my favorite as well. Grew up with that movie.

[@Tinil0]

Disney's Robin Hood?! Don't you mean Disney's The Jungle Book 2: We Don't Want To Pay More Animators Or Compromise On Deadlines?

[@susanscott8653]

My favourite version is from the 80s - Robin of Sherwood (AKA Robin the Hooded Man).🏹😁

[@Bernandez4139]

Internet veterans: ~hello darkness my old friend~

[@patriciaaturner289]

I adored Peter Ustinov’s Prince John❤. And his King Richard was pretty good, too.

[@tinyartificer]

When you start talking about deer, I completely forgot that not everybody hunted, and my brain short circuited when you mentioned the butcher. 😂

[@Degner]

I wish I could remember which author it was, but there is a Medieval German Fencing Treatise that instructs how to be a Robber Knight without actually killing the peasants. Stuff like "Take a pinch of their neck and pull it, then put the point of your dagger through the useless bit of flesh. They will feel the pain and the spilling blood, and will surrender all to you." And yes, these are illustrated!

[@joannshupe9333]

Sooo, a stiletto, not a Bowie knife!

[@DH-xw6jp]

Ouch. Yeah, if someone jabbed a rondel dagger through my scruff i would definitely surrender to the iron clad scoundrel without any more resistance.

[@pdcushman]

A note on numbles: Offal is usually the first thing that a predator eats after it kills a prey species like deer. Lots of concentrated vitamens. Most modern hunters will leave the offal in the field for the wild scavangers because offal spoils so quickly. However, if you can get it back to camp without spoilage, offal makes a very tasty campfire meal. Looking forward to that humble pie recipie...

[@silverwolfe3636]

My grandpa would always bring ziploc baggies for organs while hunting and he made the most delicious spicy pickled deer heart (If the bullet/arrowhead hadn't destroyed it)! He also would fry up the livers with potatoes. Such things seem so weird and foreign to my friends who were raised in the city lol. But we would definitely leave the digestive and sex organs for scavengers.

[@sharayejenkins5743]

I watch a lot of homestead shows and naked and afraid and the "real" hunters who use the whole animal usually take the heart and liver and anything else that they can use. They've also used the other organs to make meds or salves they can use. At least in all the shows I watch. I watch a lot of shows that are filmed in Alaska where they live off of the land and depend on themselves. I find it fascinating!

[@slwrabbits]

Just need to stay away from offal from predator species, since you may well end up with vitamin toxicity.

[@shaolinotter]

the pasty is a revered food in northern michigan since it has a long history of mining

[@Vladimir_Kv]

As far as I know, there were four types of bandits: 1) *Noblemen.* These are noble sons without any hope of inheriting (second sons and so on). They band together and start robbing and pillaging to "get their share" or some other tripe. Generally above the law, nobody will be actively prosecuting them as long as they choose their targets carefully. 2) *Soldiers.* Injured, old, deserters and such who do not know any other way to live apart from violence. The most dangerous of bandits because they combine martial training and experience with cornered desperation. 3) *Villagers.* Generally start with poaching in noble's hunting grounds because of food shortages, but soon escalate to roadside robberies and such. 4) *Outlaws.* People who ran from prosecution. Vary from petty thieves to cold-blooded murderers.

[@ismellstatic]

I’d really love to see you do a video on the food of the kingdom of Ethiopia; you’re super engaging and thorough while not being stuffy, I’m curious to see what dish you’d choose and what about the culture you’d highlight.

[@humblesparrow]

Injera!😋😋😋

[@limeparticle]

Robin Hood was my childhood hero. Many were the trees I felled with my trusty knife in the woods next to my home to make bows and arrows. Still have a couple scars on my fingers from back then. Ah the golden days of a GenX childhood when we roamed the woods unsupervised at age 7, wielding knives 😂

[@adedow1333]

Millennial me wished for this. I was never allowed a knife though. More's the pity.

[@Lionstar16]

I honestly don't know whether to be impressed or horrified at the idea of an unsupervised 7 year old wielding a knife 😆

[@limeparticle]

@@Lionstar16I mean I did learn about knife safety from my Girl Guides troupe and my dad, but accidents happened 😅

[@joannshupe9333]

@@limeparticle They sure do! And that always provides you with some great stories to tell.

[@glotree]

That’s how boys learn. (Speaking as a someone with five brothers, and two sons of my own…)

[@chasegilmond5637]

Pasties were really popular in the mineshafts of Butte, MT back in the day. The miners could get a filling meal without getting it dirty by holding it by the crimp. After finishing, they'd throw the crust into the darkness for the tommy knockers.

[@melissalambert7615]

I did not know that. Know Welsh miners did the same. Maybe they brought the idea to Butte.

[@ellenahs5911]

what is a tommy knocker

[@CatNyan30]

The larding technique is quite similar to our Filipino dish mechado, which uses a tough cut of beef like eye of round wrapped around a stick of pork fat back (the "mitsa", which means candlewick) to soften it up. Interesting how that idea endured the centuries and traveled all the way here.

[@scorch33]

My Dad's side of the family has lived in Nottingham since time of eld. I've been there, and to Sherwood Forest, and let me tell you, they absolutely love the Disney version of Robin Hood. Those posters, along with others, are all over the walls of the Tourist Center.

[@jillparks]

For some reason, as an American who adored the Disney version of Robin Hood, this makes me so happy that it's embraced by the real locals of Sherwood Forest.

[@hellspawn22001]

Terry Jones did a spectacular episode of his Medieval Lives series on the outlaw, it definitely deserves a watch. I would like to think Terry would love Max.

[@TastingHistory]

Oh yes! I love his stuff.

[@CAP198462]

Yeah, it’s good but have you seen Sir Tony Robinson’s documentary about Robin Hood. He does a good turn at identifying an historical basis for the character.

[@jonathanraffaele]

My family used to call my big bites “Grampy Bites” after my grandfather who would also take really big bites.

[@Crispi1260]

One of the highlights of the week is when a new Tasting History video is released. This is one of those channels that is my favourite to recommend to people when they are looking for something to watch.

[@LishB1011]

I love that the Pokemon in the background is always thematic for the episode 🤩 it also shows just how massive you and your husband's Pokemon collection is!

[@blackdragon7979]

My frustration is "I should know the Pokemon but I don't and do I need to turn in my nerd card..."

[@LichLordFortissimo]

@@blackdragon7979 I've identified every one of them. Once he starts on gen 9 though I may struggle

[@Szandrie]

Yes I love the Pokémon in the background 🙌🙌😄

[@arifhossain9751]

Decidueye is most definitely the Robin Hood Pokémon.

[@partylikeits1066]

I thought I recognised that little figure!

[@jodieg6318]

Max you have stolen my heart on this; my thesis in college was all on the history of Robin Hood, the legends, folklore and who the real life candidates for Robin may have been. Long story short Robin is most likely an amalgamation of many people plus the folklore and social anxieties of the given period he’s being written in.

[@humblesparrow]

I've often thought that the name is an allegory, like Debbie Downer or Chatty Kathy. Naming like that was definitely a thing in Medieval literature.

[@jodieg6318]

@@humblesparrow Rough Ralf and Welsh Will are some of my personal favorites. Lol. In Robin’s story Will Scarlet seems to have started as Scathlock or Scattlelock which means ‘lock smasher’ so we could reasonable assume that Will’s speciality was breaking and entering.

[@oscarlove4394]

@@humblesparrow its not much of a stretch to say his name might have been a pun. 'robber in a hood' becomes 'robbing hood' becomes 'robin hood'.

[@nadjasunflower1387]

yup...ever time Max said ' not a real person ' I cringed. Knowing he was like King Arthur an amalgamation of different people. There was ( not sure if it was History Hit ) a video that went into the tracking down of who Robin was. Though that special was trying to find his grave. As the tale goes ( if i remember it right ) Robin shot an arrow out of a window, and where that arrow landed he was to be buried.

[@lisacraze1]

I really appreciate the little text emojis you take the time to include in the captions! Also, would dried ginger powder be more common than fresh ginger? Love your videos!

[@TastingHistory]

That's all Jose who cleans up the subtitles and adds other languages

[@alexwilson3812]

Me as a chef 👩‍🍳 I use a fresh ginger to a dried ginger all the same there taste the same 😅

[@namedrop721]

Ginger root candied, powdered or dry would be more common as shipping time was long and ginger does not grow well in England

[@HannahSachie]

Ngl, a history filled hello fresh meal would be pretty cool

[@douglasfur3808]

The pasty staying warm is one of their advantages as portable food. Staked out on an ambush in cold rainy English weather, and having a warm pie tucked in your shirt would be deluxe.

[@sevensongs]

"She was a fox" should not have made me laugh as hard as it did, but I love it!

[@rosescott9299]

Max miller, I think you are excellent and I love you. This was your true calling. I remember when you said you weren’t sure if you should leave your job to do this. I hope you are happy with your decision. I really think this is your calling. You are truly entertaining, filled with information, an excellent storyteller, and just beautiful to look at. You are a beautiful soul sir. I hope life is kind to you.

[@herzetty]

I'd love to watch you do an episode on hasty pudding! It's described in "Little House in the Big Woods" along with descriptions of maple syrup harvesting and I'm curious what it's like.

[@maddie6589]

You, sir, have sparked my love for history again. I appreciate you for that. Watching your videos also makes cooking more fun and feel not as lonely. Keep up the awesome work!

[@TastingHistory]

Best compliment I can get.

[@RossOriginals]

I love that you've got Robin *HOOT* behind you for this one (one of the best starter final evos) "Look at Maid Marian, she was a fox!" - HA! Nice.

[@DrToddles]

Flour is such a convenient commodity... someone must have grown heaps of wheat. Kept it stored in a dry place grain silos, then ground it up

[@jwilli7434]

You know, it's so interesting. The historical part of this video was so engaging that I absolutely forgot you were making the meat pies!

[@rickhobson3211]

I can always count on you for Disney references! Also, I love how you have this community of friends and acquaintances building around you. Thanks for creating this channel!

[@sheenachristina2385]

I love pastes!! It’s like Proto-hot pocket!

[@TastingHistory]

They really are 😂

[@adedow1333]

Every culture in the world has one. It's a beautiful thing

[@marcusfridh8489]

​@@adedow1333 just look at the famous calzonepizza, that is basically a giant hot pocket or pirouge

[@gabriellakadar]

@@marcusfridh8489 or Jamaican patties! YUM!

[@lautreamontg]

And considering how the meat was got, it truly was a "hot" pocket.

[@tricksfollies9549]

I’d love to see the larding technique for the venison leg someday! It sounds very interesting.

[@BigboiiTone]

13:55 I love the painting of the guy getting stabbed in the head with a smile on his face. He's like "yea it's actually not so bad. Feels pretty good actually"

[@ashe1317]

"and that's also where we get the term 'pasta'," Max says casually, like he didn't just blow my freakin' mind 😂

[@Rosedawn321]

I love that you included Mel Brookes’ “Men in Tights”!

[@davidm9612]

"Forgive me, sire...but...wasn't your mole on the... other... side?" "I have a mole!?"

[@smwillia]

"But Sir, I must protest I am not a Merry Man." - Lieutenant Worf

[@nicoskefalas]

I am extremely glad that you and your show exist! Makes me feel a little less lonely as a history and food nerd. This video makes me miss pasties I used to eat when I lived in the UK. Thank you Max for producing this kind of content 😊

[@theortheo2401]

that Decidueye plush in the back :chef's kiss:. Also this recipe makes me think alot of people ate some kind of portable pie on the road.

[@adedow1333]

Oh that's why that was! I couldn't quite tell.

[@MatConlon]

I have eaten venison pies at Market Fairs in Nottingham. I'm not overly fond of game, but the one I ate was so full of just the most wonderful and thick gravy that I didn't mind it. Good stuff, Max 👍

[@adedow1333]

That sounds delectable!

[@John_Conner222]

absolutely loved the cartoon reference lol. For deer numbles I would recommend to find either a hunter friend or go to a taxidermist and ask for them before the animal is prepared. They should be able to ask the hunter that brings the animal in for permission and shouldn't be a problem as most hunters just want the meat and the antlers.

[@Fulcrum205]

Max, Ive been eating and cooking venison my whole life. The level of gamey-ness is usually determined by the fat content and what the animal has been eating. Trimming off the deer fat and replacing it with domestic animal fat will reduce the gamey flavor. Its also influenced by what the animal was eating (at least in wild venison). Early season deer that have been eating mostly nuts and soft mast ( berries, fruits,etc) are a lot less gamey than late season animals subsisting on tips and shoots.

[@lausdeo4944]

Regarding Robin Hood's historical inspiration-- It is possible the story's oldest roots comes from over two centuries before the King John's time. The name Robin is similar to the Welsh phrase Rhi Bran (King Raven--a mythological figure). This similarity could have allowed for an easy confusion between the two. There were many stories of Welsh rebels resisting the initial Norman invasion. They fought the early Normans to a standstill with their long-bows, before joining with the Normans as a client state and supplying the very long-bow-men used to hammer the French at Agincourt. This time-period and setting makes more sense. The wilds of Wales were still very much deep wilderness at the time of the Conqueror and his close progeny, and a focus on archery and rebellion is shared by the Welsh guerrillas and the Robin Hood's gang. Conversely, Sherwood was a nearly a manicured park by the time of John, and population density of the region was not likely large enough to shelter a rebellion as described in the tales. The exploits of the Welsh marauders could very easily have been conflated with the outlaws of later periods, and it even seems at the time of King John "Robin" was already a generic name given to outlaws and bandits. Interesting, to say the least. There is a historical fiction trilogy with this premise ( _King Raven_ by author Stephen Lawhead). It is from a Christian perspective, but that doesn't impact the quality of the story, but rather eccentuates the cultural accuracy. I would recommend it to anyone interested.

[@dinolil1474]

I know there's a Welsh figure often likened to Robin Hood: Twm Sion Cati, perhaps?

[@CookieDoh]

I heartily second your book recommendation!

[@lausdeo4944]

@@CookieDoh Excellent to find a man with good taste in books, let alone KZbin channels.

[@Locksley108]

"The name Robin is related to the Welsh phrase Rhi Bran" No it isn't "This time-period and setting makes more sense. The wilds of Wales were still very much deep wilderness at the time of the Conqueror and his close progeny, and a focus on archery and rebellion is shared by the Welsh guerrillas and the Robin Hood's gang. Conversely, Sherwood was a nearly a manicured park by the time of John, and population density of the region was not likely large enough to shelter a rebellion as described in the tales." Stop making shit up mate, Robin hood isn't welsh, you can celebrate being welsh without claiming Robin hood as a welshman

[@lausdeo4944]

@@Locksley108 ...I'm not Welsh. Or even English. I'm a Texan of Polish/Scandinavian descent who happens to have an interest in the legend of Robin Hood. I am presenting a historical argument as it was presented to me. The first point is simply saying the names are phonetically similar, showing an ease of tale transmission. The second point is ENTIRELY true. I suggest you do your research before assuming I am making things up to celebrate a fictional ancestry.

[@DankRedditMemes]

Little fun fact: Most if not all of your meal kit delivery services, including Hello Fresh, have their recipes available freely on their website, although they may or may not have proprietary and/or vague ingredients or measurements (e.g. the One-Pan Santa Fe Pork Tacos asks for 'one unit' of 'Tex-Mex Paste').

[@Konpekikaminari]

That's interesting, and does kinda make sense

[@scaper8]

That's actually good to know. Thanks!

[@bretabel1642]

I had to pause the video and go take a walk after that “Maid Marian was a Fox” pun lol

[@aidanfarnan4683]

1, I love the fact that you mention the Folville gang and the blatant corruption of basically everyone involved up to and including the king, because it partly because of the open corruption of late medieval and early modern society that criminal folk heroes like Robin Hood become popular . 2, I love the fact that you specifically reference the Disney Robin Hood: Disney actually made him a fox because they were in pre-production of a film about another medieval rogue tale, Reynard and Chanticleer, but they decided during pre-production that there was just no way to make the Reynard tales suitable for children and switched to Robbin Hood as he was less violent and horny.

[@pheart2381]

Props for the medieval tea towel!

[@FrikInCasualMode]

As a kid, I loved Robin Hood stories. Along with Zorro he was the hero of my childhood. I'm glad you've shown us a little bit of how Robin's life could look... if he was real, of course.

[@maudline]

Omg I loved anything Robin Hood and Zorro too!

[@dawnmichelle4403]

Now we need Max to do a Zorro recipe!

[@TheElectroboy]

love the subtle robinhood reference with the decidueye in the back

[@gm2407]

I always enjoyed the 1930s Robin Hood, there is a bit where he fights his way into Nottingham castle with a deer over his shoulders and when Prince John lets him stay and allows a seat at the table he throws it on the table.

[@DeathMetalDerf]

Fun Fact: Disney's Robin Hood is still one of my favorite Disney movies, one of the nicknames for one of my cats is "Prince Turbo the Phoney King of South Buffalo, NY" and another cat gets called Madame Hiss because that's all she ever does is hiss loudly at her siblings. Great job as usual, Mr. Miller! I really do look forward to seeing you at least twice a week! I hope you are well and having a great day!!

[@christopheferraux2864]

bonjour de France. In the Middle Ages, highwaymen raged not only in England but also throughout Europe, there were so many that a lot of trade was done by river where there was very little risk of being attacked.

[@GypsyHunter232UK]

One of the very best cooking channels on KZbin..

[@tedturner03]

I heard Pasties were made by wives for their husbands that worked in the lead mines. They had to eat without touching the food. The pastie was used so they could eat the better part and toss the “handle” (the part they touched )

[@PigmyPipistrelle13]

It's true, my family were all miners (Nottingham/Derbyshire) they called their lunch boxes snap. The pasty, a lot of the time was made from leftover dinner.

[@ajrwilde14]

pasties are eaten all over Britain, the mining areas just have their own specific type

[@adamplace1414]

Is anyone keeping track of how often the historic recipes Max uses finish with some version of "and serve (it) forth"? Julia Child was great, but she really missed a trick not ending every recipe like that. Also, that would be a really great supercut. "Max Miller Serves It Forth."

[@lairdcummings9092]

And the title of a cookbook, as well. "Max Miller Serves it Forth: A Collection of Ancient and Medieval Recipes from Around the Globe."

[@jacquethompson4231]

Max has merch from the past that says that exact thing “and serve it forth”

[@jacquethompson4231]

L

[@heatherinparis]

@@lairdcummings9092 There already exists a Cookbook with the title SERVE IT FORTH. I have a copy around here someplace. I got my copy used in the '80's. If I remember correctly it is an anthology of recipes contributed by Sci-fi writers and performers. Your best bet for any more information is probably Google.

[@lairdcummings9092]

@@heatherinparis good to know, and curse them for getting the jump!

[@AGMundy]

I look forward to one of these videos every week. It has been a joy to watch the channel grow and to become ever more familiar with both Max and Jose. As I have said before, the success of this channel is fully deserved. As a long-term watcher (I think there were about 22k subscribers when I joined) let me be one of the first to wish Max an early happy 40th Birthday which is coming up all too soon. He remains surely one of the handsomest dishes of the day.

[@TastingHistory]

Hey good memory haha

[@IMeMineWho]

Happy early bday Max! 💜 you and TH! Merry meet!

[@tksharkbait]

Came hoping for an Errol Flynn and Robin Hood: Men in Tights reference each, and I was not disappointed.

[@latetotheparty4785]

You even pronounced pasty correctly! I was raised in a Cornish community here in the Gold Country of Northern California. The Cornish immigrants came to mine the gold after the surface gold was gone. About 1970, two Cornish pasty restaurants opened. Even though I was only 12, I recognized awful food when I ate it. The crust was tough, not browned, the innards consisted of cubes of tough beef, cubes of potato, swimming in some kind of corn starch gravy. I think there was salt, but no pepper or any kind of seasoning. One of the restaurants closed in months, the other is still functioning due to sprucing up their fare quite a bit. It’s now something like a calzone or really good pot pie. The terrible pasty, however, was historically accurate. It could take a man hours to reach his level in the mine. Trolleys of miners were lowered and raised by donkeys and mules, some of which never saw the light of day. The crusts had to be tough to survive until lunch time, and the Cornish were not known for their cuisine. Think bologna sandwich.

[@TelynEthuil]

I live about 30 minutes away from Sherwood, and I loved seeing the image of Major Oaks (The massive tree in the painting that looked like it was missing the main trunk) in this one. I actually learned how to use the traditional English longbow in Sherwood forest, right beside Major Oaks. As someone who was born and raised in the states, you can imagine just how giddy that made me.

[@SergeantSniper]

"Look at Maid Marion! She was a fox!" Max Miller furry confirmed. Pasties look delicious. I should try to make some.

[@kimberlym5988]

When we had deer roast back when I was younger, we always used to put strips of bacon (rashers for the Britians) on top of the roast to give it moisture and flavor.

[@GhostStalkerActual]

He deered to kill the king's dare.... he DARED to kill the kings Deer.

[@happygrandma5637]

I always have closed captioning on, even though Max articulates very well. I love the fact that when he takes his 1st bite cc shows CHOMP. Thanks Max. I did know that it was illegal to hunt in Royal forests but not the timeline. Very interesting.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

The closed captions are a product of Jose's hard work!

[@happygrandma5637]

@@ThinWhiteAxe And his hard work is much appreciated.

[@oleksiyprotas6376]

That 5:33 Bayeux Tapestry towel :3 So love these little thematic details in your vids

[@chrissherer2047]

14:50 Courage the Cowardly Dog flashback / Eustice- "Where's me mallet?"

[@vortega472]

"She was a fox." Best. Line. Ever.

[@coosbaytech]

I know he doesn’t usually dress up, but I was really hoping for Max in Tight Tights! 😂

[@mollybeee]

To get rid of a lot of the gamey taste of the venison you can put a small amount of vinegar in the cooking water, works for moose and bear as well.

[@ltrigga219]

The smiles on the faces of all these 2D illustrated murderers is really unsettling. Also, pasties should be much more widely available in the US. Also also, as always, the random-seeming storytelling is fantastic. Friggin Eustice.

[@katiez4207]

No matter what is going on in the world, you make things better, even if it's only 20 minutes at a time. Thank you, sir! 😊

[@TastingHistory]

My pleasure!

[@The_Cherokee_Gypsy]

Anything with the word “Outlaw” you can count me in! 😂

[@savagepro9060]

Trump? Food for Thought?

[@timeworntraveler3644]

It's so cool how Max (or Jose?) always respond to comments in the first hour or so. Makes me wanna watch every Tuesday lol

[@TastingHistory]

A little of both :) More me at first post, then Jose through the week

[@williamromine5715]

I was under the impression that the pastry's primary purpose was to preserve the meal inside from spoilage, especially for travel. The pastry, itself, might not have even been eaten because it was so dry and hard.

[@guccideltaco]

I believe the guy on Modern History TV did a video about that. The crust just made the meat inside more "portable" (sort of a Medieval sandwich).

[@TheGrimm1300]

Man those brothers must have had the best PR team