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Ben Franklin's Genius

Instructional & Educational

TV-G

24

Feb 13, 2009

From discovering how to harness electricity to inventing reading glasses and publishing the first daily newspaper in America, Ben Franklin's genius was a spark that helped to launch a country. We visit the American Philosophical Society.

Season 1, 12 episodes

season 1 (12 episodes)

Martha Washington Won the War,

Martha Washington is usually portrayed as a dowdy grandmother, but in reality, she was a beautiful and passionate wife befitting her handsome George. Martha was also the secret weapon that kept troop morale high during the hard winter's encampment.

Early German Settlers,

As early as 1690, German settlers left Europe for religious freedom in the new world of North America. They settled in the Philadelphia area, and immediately started to contribute to the innovations and spirit of our new country.

Madeira Wine by the Galleons,

Philadelphia’s docks were very busy in the 18th century, receiving ships from as far away as Portugal, laden with precious cargo, Madeira wine.

Wild geese were plentiful in 18th Century America and were prized both for their meat and their layer of fat. Chef Staib prepares a typical winter meal of Goose with Turnips, along with Crab Cake with Herb Remoulade.

Von Steuben's Secret Weapon,

General von Steuben was a German officer who volunteered to help Washington battle the British monarchy. He instituted a discipline to the rag-tag army that made them a determined fighting force that would eventually win the war.

Jefferson's Monticello - Part 1,

We start a special four-part series cooking in Thomas Jefferson's actual kitchen at Monticello, his Virginia home. Chef Staib prepares Jefferson's favorite exotic dish, Stuffed Cabbage with Fried Asparagus. We also tour Jefferson's gardens.

Jefferson's Monticello - Part 2,

In this next episode at Monticello, we learn how Thomas Jefferson 'liberated' grains of European rice to grow here in America and tour his legendary Monticello estate, including the Dependencies that housed the beer and wine cellars, and the ice house.

Jefferson's Monticello - Part 3,

During his years abroad as Minister to France, Jefferson's culinary tastes became refined. In this episode, we get to know James Hemmings, Jefferson's slave cook who accompanied Jefferson to learn the ways of French cuisine.

Jefferson's Monticello - Part 4,

We end our tour of Jefferson's Gardens at Monticello as we learn how the President carefully cultivated over 330 vegetable varieties, along with a host of fruits. Chef Staib prepares a tour-de-force final meal in Jefferson's kitchen.

Hercules: Slave Chef to the Washingtons,

The foundation of the President's Residence in Philadelphia has recently been excavated, showing where the slave quarters were in the original White House. The Washingtons relied upon and highly regarded their slave chef, Hercules.

Ben Franklin's Genius,

From discovering how to harness electricity to inventing reading glasses and publishing the first daily newspaper in America, Ben Franklin's genius was a spark that helped to launch a country. We visit the American Philosophical Society.

Washington’s Crossing Pepperpot Soup,

Before the Christmas night in 1776 when Washington led his troops to a surprise attack on the British at Trenton, he ordered one of their favorite meals to be ready upon their return, Pepperpot Soup with Cornbread.

Details

A Taste of History

Documentary

TV-PG

1

24

Chef Walter Staib travels the globe, to historical locations, into famous kitchens and exotic markets to bring you A Taste of History. The cooking TV series explores, educates, and brings America’s culinary heritage to life.

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