On Thu, 2 Jan 1997 jpoor@TCTC.COM wrote: > Help, help! I need to know what "pottage" is by Friday, Jan. 3, 7:45 > AM US EST. > Now this should be alright timewise as Australia is app 16-18 behind the USA. I did know what pottage is but to make doubly sure that i have the right answer I consulted the Greater Oxford and yes I was right as it means literally 'which is put in the pot' 'A dish composed of vegetables alone, or along with meat, boiled to a softness in water, and appropriately seasoned;soup, esp. a thick soup. In ancient cookery, often a highly composite dish' (I must admit I do like the 'composite' bit.) To go back to the Oxford: Potage 'now chiefly a literary word, historical, archaic, scriptural, or used of the soups of primitive peoples;no longer a term of English cookery.' Now I must admit that the Oxford is supposedly the ultimate judge when it comes to words. But I am quite certain that I have heard the word used and not just in relation to primitive or ancient cooking. Well Julia I'd say if you say that pottage is an older term for either a soup, stew or casserole with everything in it the cook can lay her hands on you would not be far wrong. As for being served I'd say a steaming BOWL of pottage would be a welcome dish, especially in inclement weather. Lotte p.s. still from the Oxford 'The meat and pottage is put al in one dish; out of which every one taketh with his greasie fist what he thinkes good'
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