The Pastry War between Mexico and France, and a 19th century French pastry that could have been the cause

The evolution of boeuf bourguignon from a peasant dish to use up leftovers to French haute cuisine, and a recipe from 1885 for the early sauce version

The role of meat in the Roman soldier’s diet, and a recipe for a farro and pork dish that a Roman centurion might have eaten in Vindolanda

The empire and massive party of Ashurnasirpal II, and an ancient recipe for pomegranate beer that may have been served at his banquet

The hidden chocolate kitchen at Hampton Court Palace, the people who worked there, and a recipe from 1723 that they might have made

A tiny Christmas truce in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, and a recipe for mincemeat pie from the US army in 1946

The origins and history of Turkish delight, and a recipe from the Ottoman Empire in 1844

The possible origins and evolution of toffee, and a recipe for the original Everton toffee from 1881

Christopher Ludwick’s extraordinary contributions to the American Revolution, and a gingerbread recipe he might have baked