Gypsy Feast

Book excerpt: The Romany people are descendants of the ancient warrior classes of Northern India who trekked westwards around AD1000. They were, and still are, often referred to as 'gypsies', but their correct and preferred name is Roma. Their migration took them through Persia and Armenia into Europe and later America. Recipes survived through the centuries, frequently undergoing intervention and interpretation to meet the tastes of a particular time. Very few recipes were ever written down most were handed down verbally through generations. Today, as modern life encroaches on the traditional Romany ways, the old traditions are disappearing rapidly. Convenience foods, modern cooking tools, and appliances have ousted the old cooking methods and traditional recipes, although some are still made for special occasions. This book evokes a memorable picture of the old ways, recipes, feast days, marriage customs, and funeral feasts as well as a unique way of life that has almost disappeared forever.