Ep 7. Pennsbury: The Working Estate

In season 9 episode 7 of A Taste of History, titled "Pennsbury: The Working Estate," viewers are taken on a journey to the Pennsbury Manor, William Penn's former estate in Pennsylvania. The episode explores the daily life of the Penn family and the workers who lived and worked on the estate during the colonial era. Host Chef Walter Staib demonstrates how to make classic colonial dishes using ingredients that would have been available at that time.

Throughout the episode, we learn about the history of the estate, which was once a bustling hub of agriculture, trade, and industry. With the help of local historians and experts, Chef Staib gives us a glimpse into the life of William Penn and the people who helped him make Pennsbury a thriving community.

The episode also delves into the culinary practices of the era, with Chef Staib creating dishes such as fried oysters and scallops with a lemon and caper sauce, and stewed beef and carrots in a rich, savory gravy. Viewers are given a step-by-step breakdown of the cooking process, as Chef Staib explains the origins of each dish and its significance to the colonial era.

In addition to food, the episode covers other aspects of daily life on the estate, such as textile production and gardening. We see how the Penn family's wealth allowed them to have access to luxurious fabrics and furnishings, and how the hard work of the estate's laborers ensured that the crops and gardens flourished.

Overall, "Pennsbury: The Working Estate" is a fascinating look at colonial life and the ways in which food and agriculture played a vital role in shaping it. Chef Walter Staib's cooking demonstrations and historical insights make this episode a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the United States and its colonial past.