Ever wondered how a simple baked fish recipe can lead us on a journey through ancient Greek mythology? Join us as we blend culinary creativity with historical exploration, starting with a delightful and easy-to-follow Greek-style baked fish recipe from Greek Boston. There's plenty to savor, from our wine pairing tips to a quirky discussion about why some salmon are classified as white fish. Plus, I heard about our kitchen mishaps, like forgetting the tomatoes, and how we turned it around with some tasty suggestions like serving the dish over rice or with crusty bread.

Travel back in time to the mystical world of the Oracle at Delphi, where gods, myths, and epic tales converge. Listen as we breathe life into the myth of Apollo's victory over the serpent Python, the vibrant Pythian Games, and Apollo’s incredible dolphin transformation to recruit his priests. Discover the dual worship of Apollo and Dionysus and the fascinating evolution of the Delphic Oracle, supported by ancient sources like Hesiod and Homer. We'll also highlight the construction and destruction of the magnificent temples dedicated to Apollo, each with its unique story and significance.

Unveil the secrets of the revered Pythias and their profound impact on ancient Greek society. Learn about the rigorous qualifications and revered social status of these priestesses, along with the elaborate rituals they underwent to deliver their prophecies. As we unravel the mystery of the Oracle’s vapors with modern geological insights, we’ll explore how these enigmatic predictions influenced major decisions and left an enduring legacy, even as their power waned with the rise of Christianity. This episode is a rich tapestry of culinary delight and historical intrigue you won't want to miss!

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Recipe:

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/baked-greek-fish-psari-plaki/

Resources:

*Don’t make fun of me for all the Wikipedia links, I checked everything they said with other sources lol*

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Python-Greek-mythology

https://mikespassingthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/thoughts-on-the-image-of-the-oracle-at-delphi-a-demonstration-of-mythological-bias/

https://www.thecollector.com/oracle-of-delphi/

https://www.worldbook.com/behind-the-headlines/Mythic-Monday-Apollo-of-All-Trades#:~:text=Because%20Python%20was%20sacred%20to,shepherds%20to%20his%20overflowing%20r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerium

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What if a queen's ultimate revenge could change the course of a nation's history? Discover the chilling yet riveting story of Queen Olga of Kiev, a formidable ruler whose cunning and ruthless tactics left an indelible mark on medieval Eastern Europe. Start your journey with us as we bring the flavors of history to life, beginning with a mouth-watering discussion about Ukrainian braised pork with mashed potatoes. From there, we unravel the mysterious origins of Queen Olga, delving into her possible Varangian, Slavic, or Northern Russian Viking roots. The episode chronicles her marriage to Prince Igor of Kiev and the shocking events following his assassination by the Drevlians, which propelled Olga to the forefront of Kievan Rus politics as regent for her young son, Sviatoslav.

Witness the sheer brilliance and brutality of Queen Olga's revenge strategies—from burying emissaries alive to setting an entire city ablaze using pigeons and sparrows. These audacious acts not only secured her power but also etched her name into the annals of history. Olga's journey didn't end there; her conversion to Christianity in Constantinople marked a pivotal moment in the Christianization of Kievan Rus, influencing her descendants and shaping the religious landscape for generations. Join us for an enthralling episode that captures the essence of a queen who mastered both the art of vengeance and the path to sainthood, leaving a legacy celebrated in Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic traditions. This is history brought to life with gripping stories and compelling insights you won't want to miss.

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Recipe:
https://tatyanaseverydayfood.com/ukrainian-braised-pork/#recipe


Sources:
https://theconversation.com/saint-olga-of-kyiv-is-ukraines-patron-saint-of-both-defiance-and-vengeance-178019

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_of_Kiev#:~:text=Olga%20then%20instructed%20her%20army,subsequently%20set%20the%20city%20ablaze.

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What if fashion could lead to the near-extinction of entire bird species? Join us as we explore the dark side of 19th-century feathered fashion and its devastating impact on avian populations. But before diving into this fascinating and somber tale, we share our delightful baking adventure with the classic Southern hummingbird cake. From the rich and tropical ingredients to the unexpected challenges in the kitchen, we recount our journey to create a dessert that's both heavy in components yet light and fluffy in texture. Get your slice ready, and prepare for a culinary and historical treat!

Feathers were once worth more than gold, and the craze for extravagant hats adorned with exotic plumes drove mass hunting and near-extinction events for species like the snowy egret and lyrebird. We trace the use of feathers in fashion from ancient times through the 19th century, highlighting how South American birds and indigenous dress influenced European style. We also examine the roles of fashion icons and ornithologists in perpetuating this trend, leading to widespread exploitation of bird populations. This episode promises to be a blend of sweet indulgence and historical insight, shedding light on the consequences of a seemingly innocuous fashion statement. Grab your slice of hummingbird cake and join us for a captivating look at feathered fashion's impact on wildlife.

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Recipe:

https://grandbaby-cakes.com/hummingbird-cake-recipe/#recipe

Sources:

https://dressworld.hypotheses.org/353#:~:text=Hummingbirds%20were%20widely%20used%20to,interested%20in%20Natural%20History%20products.

https://time.com/6076571/history-bird-conservation/

https://museumsvictoria.com.au/article/flight-of-fashion-when-feathers-were-worth-twice-their-weight-in-gold/

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