Chapter 1
Sacred gourds and ancestral grains of the Americas
Chapter 2
Mooncakes and mountain chestnuts of East Asia
Chapter 3
Grape must and orchard gold in Europe
Chapter 4
Pomegranates and golden quinces of the Middle East
Ch 3 · Grape must and orchard gold in Europe
alicecooks Boiling freshly pressed grape must with flour, cinnamon, cloves, and sesame seeds creates moustalevria, a traditional Greek autumn pudding.
Quiz
What is 'grape must', the main ingredient used to make the Greek autumn dessert moustalevria?
Quiz
Which ancient civilization is credited with first making grape must puddings similar to modern moustalevria?
alicecooks Germany's autumn harvest celebration turns seasonal onions and young grapes into comforting pairings.
Quiz
What savory dish is classically paired with Federweißer to balance its sweet, fizzy flavor?
Quiz
What is Federweißer, traditionally enjoyed in Germany during the autumn grape harvest?
Fun Fact
Chestnut survival: In 16th-century France, chestnuts were so vital to winter survival they were nicknamed 'the poor man's bread.'
Quiz
Which French region is world-famous for its autumn chestnut harvest and traditional chestnut products?
Quiz
Why were chestnut trees historically referred to as 'bread trees' in rural, mountainous parts of France?
Glossary
grape must (noun)
Freshly crushed grape juice containing the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit. In Italy, autumn winemakers reduce this liquid to create saba, a traditional syrup used in seasonal baking.
Freshly crushed grape juice containing the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit. In Italy, autumn winemakers reduce this liquid to create saba, a traditional syrup used in seasonal baking.
alicecooks Italian Panpepato
Dark chocolate glaze and a warm pepper glow, It's the spiced papal hat from long ago!
Quiz
What surprising spice gives the Italian autumn and winter cake panpepato its signature kick and name?