1. Roast Meats:
- Large animals like oxen, pigs, or deer were roasted over open fires. Roasting was one of the primary cooking methods, and the meat would often be seasoned with salt and herbs, sometimes infused with wine for flavor.
2. Poultry and Game:
- Chickens, geese, ducks, and other game birds were valued and consumed on special occasions. They were roasted, stewed, or prepared as elaborate pies.
3. Fish:
- In coastal areas, special meals could feature fish like cod, salmon, or herring. They were cooked in various ways, including grilling, baking, or frying.
4. Elaborate Breads and Pastries:
- During festivals, people would bake finely decorated bread, often intricately shaped or made with refined flour. Pastries filled with fruits or sweetened almonds were also popular treats.
5. Honey-Sweetened Desserts:
- Sugar was scarce and expensive during medieval times. Instead, people used honey as a sweetener. Desserts such as honey cakes, fruit preserves, and honey-dipped nuts were popular favorites.
6. Spices:
- Spices like pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves were treasured and used sparingly. They added a distinct flavor to dishes and were reserved for special feasts.
7. Mead:
- Mead, a fermented drink made from honey and water, was considered a celebratory drink. It could be flavored with herbs or spices, and its consumption was often associated with important events.
8. Wine:
- Wine was highly valued and often consumed by the upper classes. In some regions, it was a key offering during feasts and religious ceremonies.
9. Exotic Fruits and Vegetables:
- If available, exotic fruits and vegetables, like figs, dates, or pomegranates, would be showcased during special meals.
10. Nuts and Dried Fruit:
- Dried fruits like raisins and apricots were savored as dessert options due to the limited availability of fresh fruit. Nuts, including walnuts and almonds, were also enjoyed.
It's important to note that the availability and selection of food during the medieval period varied based on region, social class, and resources. Nonetheless, these special occasion meals allowed people to come together and enjoy the finer things food could offer.