With their Savour Louisbourg Autumn 2011 program, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site presents a delicious way to experience Canadian history: 18th Century Culinary Workshops with French chef Chantal Véchambre.
This unique historical experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg will teach participants first-hand the secrets of 18th Century cuisine as it was prepared at the majestic French Fortress. The doors of the Engineer’s kitchen will be opened to participants eager to practice the art of French cooking, using both modern and open-hearth kitchens.
Each half-day workshop provides recipes, history, stories about life in Louisbourg, and a meal at the conclusion to taste and compare results. As a souvenir, each participant will take home recipes tested during the workshops.
Chef Véchambre will lead three different culinary workshops in September and October.
On Saturday, September 10, and Saturday, October 8, the workshop topic is “Festin chez le Gouverneur” which begins with an introduction to the basics of 18th century French cuisine. Participants will learn about table etiquette and the cooking styles of Acadia, France and elsewhere. They will discuss and prepare many delicious items such as meats, root vegetables, salads, breads and imported ingredients like spices and wine. And they can satisfy their sweet tooth by preparing chocolate drinks and desserts. This workshop runs from 2pm to 6:30pm on both dates and registration is $180.
“La ménagère de Louisbourg”, presented on Saturday, September 24, and again on Saturday, October 22, also offers an introduction to the basics of 18th Century French cuisine. Participants will discuss and prepare many tasty items including fish, breads, ingredients from the courtyard and kitchen garden as well as imported ingredients like molasses, flour, sugar cane, and spices. They will also learn about food preservation and the cooking styles of Acadia, France and elsewhere. This workshop runs from 9:30am to 12 noon on both dates and registration is $140.
The decadently-titled, “Le chocolat à Louisbourg”, is offered on one date only: Sunday, October 9, 3pm to 5pm. It offers an afternoon of making hot chocolate and a delicious dessert as well as a look at the history of chocolate in Louisbourg. The fee for this workshop is $100.
Space is limited (based on a minimum of 5 participants, maximum 7), so don’t hesitate to sign up. Full payment is due one week before each workshop date.
For more information or to register, phone (902) 733-3552 or email louisbourg.info@pc.gc.ca.
Chef Véchambre, originally from Paris, France, specializes in the intricacies of preparing and serving a selection of French cuisine from the 18th century, as she connects the meal to Louisbourg’s people and their past.
Her research in culinary history led her to collaborate with the team at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Her suggested recipes link the available ingredients of the colonial time with cooking knowledge of this period, some of which is based on works written by famous 17th and 18th Century chefs. The recipes that will be tasted in the workshops are in the process of being edited for a collective work, soon to be published.
