Test Your (Irish) Food History with These 4 Words

Curious to test out your food history skills? Here are 4 words that stem from the olden days:

Bookmaker’s Sandwich - A bookmaker’s sandwich was created for the bookmaker or “bookie” - the individual that bets on different sporting events with horse racing being the primary one. As the bookie would be unable to leave his station during a meet or race he would need something of substantial enough fare to last him through the day.

Brotchan Foltchep - A soup made from oatmeal, milk and leeks. According to Irish folklore, brotchan foltchep is said to have links to St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Stirabout - A porridge made by stirring in oatmeal with hot water or milk. This was a common meal item for much of the Irish population, particularly in the 19th century and earlier.

Flummery - Such a delicious sounding word! It is a sweet dessert - pudding style - that is said to have originated back in the early 17th century. Recipes vary with many using oats, whiskey, heavy cream and other ingredients such as citrus, berries and honey. Other recipes will use cornstarch in lieu of oats.

Enjoy Irish food and drink history? Each Wednesday “wayback when-sday” is featured on FarePlate’s Instagram account.