Menorcan cuisine of the 18th and 19th centuries, a fusion cuisine

Matoses - At the beginning of the 18th century, Ciutadella showed remarkable signs of wealth. The reconstruction after the War of Succession and under British rule began to gain momentum favored by the donations of knights who, in return, were granted noble titles. In the 19th century, nobles and landowners built these houses using a certain ostentation of social position and economic power. This is how the lordship of a city began to be forged that still shines with splendor today, thanks to an architecture that is undoubtedly one of Menorcan's hallmarks of identity. Their places and stately homes have suffered an uneven fate. Some have kept their heritage, others have suffered the passage of years and generations. Others wander between the shoring and rubble, both physical and figurative.

All these stately homes were built with a beautiful architectural style influenced both by the local style and by the heritage left by the British; today they remember the splendor of a nobility that created links with other families and lineages from Mallorca, Andalusia and Aragon. Beyond caste and heritage, for the nobles the teachings of customs and good manners in the management of houses were of enormous importance to show enlightened culture and taste beyond caste and heritage.

The recipe books were a symbol of distinction, carrying out exchanges between cooks and housewives in different families and possessions outside the Island for their learning. The recipes used in feasts and meals reflected the opulence and sophistication of the ingredients and recipes. Today, the result is powerfully striking: with these exchanges and travels, a unique miscegenation took place - perhaps the beginnings of what is now called fusion cuisine - where dishes and preparations typical of Menorcan cuisine were combined - including techniques that clearly denoted the influence of English and French dominations - with others more refined, exotic and haute cuisine.

Ca n'Squella's recipe was no exception and contains a lot. And we are very fortunate that our erudite and prestigious friend Bep Al·lès rescues from oblivion documents of incalculable value like this one that the reader has in his hands. Enjoy your reading and practice in your kitchen with the formulas it contains. Go to the market and buy the best ingredients, design a beautiful table, open a good wine and invite the people you love. Sharing it will be a beautiful way to pay tribute to a wonderful time.