Unique Day in History - Shakespeare born April 23, 1564

Today’s unique day in history is Shakespeare’s birthday and boy does he offer up a few good ideas when it comes to Elizabethan cuisine. Okay, so how are we going to incorporate the passionate writer of poem and stage? Through the written word of course! ​

In celebration of Shakespeare we are going to catch a phrase from one of his hundreds of quotes and point to a Toastilla recipe that might peak your interest. So, whether you celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday by speaking Old English all day, by reading in a field of strawberries, catching Romeo and Juliet at the local theater or getting sexy with your loved one here are some recipes to help you along. ​

Antony and Cleopatra: Act 2, Scene 1

“Eight wild boars roasted whole at breakfast, but twelve persons there.”

So, this is a problem isn’t it. Eight plates for twelve people. And you know what my first thought is? Our three pork, veal and beef Rao’s meatball recipe would be a great alternative. And so for Antony and Cleopatra we serve up our Meatball Toastilla which is a merge of meats with an Italian sauce complimentary of Antony’s Rome.

Twelfth Night: Act 1, Scene 3

“I am a great eater of beef and I believe that does harm to my wit.”

I am a great eater of beef too! One of our first Toastilla recipe published on our site was the Roast Beef and Cheddar Toastilla Pocket. It’s not only simple, but is a great way to settle down for the night. Your only problem is going to be stopping with just one, but then again why would you.

Since our first recipe Rudy was playing around and offers a little more to this recipe, and no, it’s not Sriracha. Although, you’d be close. To beef up this recipe add a little horseradish. The bold and spicy flavor really adds a nice flavor and kick to this family standby. ​

Richard III: Act 3, Scene 4

“My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn I saw good strawberries in your garden there; I do beseech you send for some of them.”

Who doesn’t love strawberries and for some reason Shakespeare’s sonnets have always reminded me of a field of strawberries, a picnic and a lightly sweet strawberry wine. So, whether you are heading out for spring berry picking or relaxing out on the front porch, enjoy this quote from Richard III with our Fresh Berry Toastilla Pocket.

Romeo and Juliet: Act 4, Scene 4

“They call for dates and quinces in the pastry.”

I was excited for this quote because one of my favorite “new” Toastillas is the Figgy Almond Toastilla. It’s based on an old Italian recipe and has almonds, cream cheese, figs and honey. It does have an old world feel to it, and is highly likened to this Romeo and Juliet quote. This recipe was featured on February 16, 2018’s Almond Day.

Twelfth Night: Act 2, Scene 3

“Do you think because you are virtuous, that there shall be no more cakes and ale?”

We actually had a few Toastilla’s to pick from on this list. We might be stretching it a bit with pie recipes, but with the tortilla and our favorite Biscoff cookie we often find comments from friends and family about how these sweet Toastillas reflect a cake. So, on the Twelfth Night we like the idea of our Manic Monday Toastilla which celebrated the Bangles ‘86 hit song from March 19. The Toastilla has cream cheese, blueberries, Biscoff cookies and honey. The ingredient list alone is enough to tempt your pleasure. ​

While there are a couple ales that fit this sweet cake we really enjoy it with a buttery Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. ​