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History’s Greatest Dishes

History’s Greatest Dishes

By: HistoryExtra
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Ever wondered who we have to thank for pineapple on pizza? Or whether the Victoria Sponge was really named after the long-reigning monarch? History's Greatest Dishes, the new series from HistoryExtra, serves up a feast of facts about some of the past's most remarkable delicacies. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales – all in the company of Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray. It's sure to leave you with food for thought. Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠Immediate Art Cooking Food & Wine World
Episodes
  • Toast

    Toast
    Nov 2 2026
    History’s Greatest Dishes is back – and in this first episode, Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray tell the story of a humble British favourite. From its curious role as sickroom ‘toast water’ to the delights of Victorian toasting forks, they consider an all-important question: is toast the best thing since sliced bread? Plus, they tuck into a quick-fire tour of toppings, taking stock of marmalade, honey and baked beans along the way – as well as, of course, the fiercely debated Marmite. GO BEYOND THE PODCAST From sardine-laced popcorn to a startling yeast and ketchup concoction, this article by Jonny Wilkes explores some of the weirdest fillings that our ancestors enjoyed (or endured) in their sandwiches: https://bit.ly/4A5bXJm GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • We're back for series two!

    We're back for series two!
    Oct 26 2026
    Did Oliver Cromwell really ban one of our favourite Christmas treats? Are pasties really Cornish? And is toast the best thing since sliced bread? History’s Greatest Dishes is back with its second series, serving up a fresh helping of food history. Join HistoryExtra’s Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray as they tuck into a menu that includes dumplings and jerk chicken, custard, tea, mince pies and more. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales. Come hungry for history – there’s plenty to enjoy. Episode 1 releases on Monday 2 November. Subscribers to HistoryExtra Plus can listen early and ad-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 min
  • Gooseberry Fool

    Gooseberry Fool
    May 10 2026
    Featuring just a handful of ingredients, gooseberry fool is among the simplest of all desserts – but also one of the most beloved. But what makes a fool a fool? Why does it owe its existence in equal measure to medieval kitchen gardens and the Victorian fad for enormous gooseberries? And why have its tart ingredients recently fallen from favour? In this episode of History’s Greatest Dishes, Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray chart the story behind this simple classic. They explore how the fruit-and-cream dish earned its place on the modern dining table – and, along the way, delve into Britain’s obsession with giving sweet dishes the rudest of names. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins
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