Historic Foodways Programme

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The Historic Foodways Programme at Fort York National Historic Site promotes culinary history through the animation of the historic kitchens at the fort, and through the sharing of period foods and recipes. This unique programme relies on educated volunteers and staff. Fort York's signature line of gourmet baked goods, preserves, and marmalades are for sale in the Canteen Museum Store along with seasonal items, like heritage ice cream. Public programs include frequent cooking classes and tastings.

During the past few years, large ticketed events have included: Canada’s Table: A Celebration of Our Cookbooks (2018); Hungry for Comfort: A Celebration of Food History (2018 and 2019); and the retired Mad for Marmalade, Crazy for Citrus (2007 to 2017). Historic recipes appear regularly in the pages of The Fife and Drum.

The Volunteer Historic Cooks and staff have published two cookbooks: Recipes for Victory: Great War Food from the Front and Kitchens Back Home (2018); and Setting a Fine Table: Historical Desserts and Drinks from the Officers' Kitchens at Fort York (2013). Both books, published by Whitecap Books, are for sale in the Canteen Museum Store.