Bacon was a fatty cut of pork, generally from the side of a pig or boar, eaten largely across northern and western Faerûn.[1][2] Along the Sword Coast North, pieces of bacon were sometimes simply referred to as slices of boar fat.[1] In the the Dragon Reach, a slab of bacon was called a "sideslab" and a slice of bacon was referred to as a "cautel".[2]
Description[]
Bacon was used in all manner of dishes, but it was particularly common to eat it for morning meals as part of a dawnfry or morningfeast. In the Western Heartlands, it was commonly served alongside toasted bread flavored with the bacon drippings,[3] or in thick slabs garnished with fruit (such as quince) and scrambled eggs,[7] occasionally paired with coffee.[8] In the Dalelands, it might be accompanied by some or all of fresh milk, dove's eggs, grapes, radishes, savory tarts, fried mushrooms, cheese, fried bread, tomatoes and wine.[9][10] In the Lands of Intrigue, it might be served alongside pancakes and honey-molasses syrup,[11] with eggs,[12] or in omelets along with additions like sausage, cheese, onions, and peppers.[13] In the Moonsea, it was eaten alongside eggs and honeycakes.[14] In Ravens Bluff, it was eaten with eggs and occasionally with Zakharan coffee.[15] In the Border Kingdoms, it was eaten alongside eggs, ham, toast, and fruit like apples and melons.[5] The Ffolk of the Moonshae Isles ate bacon with goose eggs and fresh cream paired with either cake or bread,[16][17] and the dwarves of the Moonshaes kept it as travel food.[18] On the Sea of Swords, ships might stock bacon alongside breakfast steak, fried potatoes, wheat cakes, and oranges for morning meals.[19] In the North, bacon was often served along with fried bread, accompanied with things like a wedge of cheese, dark beer, and a raw onion,[20] or with eggs and fried fish.[21] The dwarves of the North ate bacon with eggs, muffins, and berries.[22]
Aside from being a morning food, bacon was an important ingredient in many other dishes and meals across dwarven, human, and even orcish cuisine.[23] Examples included High Dale lamb (a traditional dish from Highcastle),[24] dwarven Potato leek soup,[23] and many low-brow or common meals, such as hack in Amn (fried slices of smoked fish and bacon), [25] bloodlick in the Vast (a gravy-like spread eaten on bread by farmers),[26] and "orc" bacon (spiced or sweetened baked bacon strips).[27] Bacon dishes were also popular as tavern food[28][29] and in pies and hand pies, often paired with leek, kidney, or gooseberries.[1][30][31]
Bacon generally stored and travelled well, especially when wrapped in wax paper,[32] which perhaps contributed to it being a reliable ration among manual laborers,[33] sailors,[34] soldiers,[18] and adventurers.[35][36][4]
Other Uses[]
Bacon fat was used to cook vegetables like mushrooms and onions[37] and was an important ingredient in pastry dough throughout the Eastern Heartlands. The Watchful Eye in Essembra used bacon fat in the pastry of their Stuffed Turkey Pie,[38] and the Wight on a Waterdragon restaurant in Marsember used it to make the pastry shell of their "sea pie" (filled with various macerated sea creatures cooked in beef stew).[39] Bacon fat was measured by the knife.[38]
In a pinch, flaming bacon could be used as a weapon.[40]
Availability[]
While bacon was produced throughout north and west Faerûn, some locations' product had distinct reputations, such as the town of Hlintar in the Vast, which was was famous for its high-quality bacon,[41] or High Helm in Cormyr, known for their bacon being very salty.[42] Outside of north and west Faerûn, bacon was eaten in the Border Kingdoms[5] and was known to the elves of Sildëyuir.[43] Bacon was not commonly eaten by elves to the extent that half-elves would sometimes add bacon to elven dishes as an act of rebellion.[23]
Bacon could generally be purchased from pig farmers[44] butchers,[45] and provisioners.[46]
Notable establishments selling bacon dishes included:
- The Battlescarred Bard, an inn on the Trade Way between Proskul and Imnescar, was known for the platters of fried bacon and onions served in the wintertime, often alongside dried apricots, buttery rice, and hot bread.[47]
- In the town of Berdusk, bacon was served in gravy alongside gondenstars at taverns.[28]
- The Cutlass in Luskan served mussels wrapped in salty bacon.[29]
- The Fast Sails tavern in Tulmene was known to make particularly delicious bacon tarts.[48]
- The Goblet and Gems in Mirabar was known for its bacon twists, one of the few things on its menu.[49]
- The House of Pity, a meager inn about 6 days south of Elturel, served a bad breakfast of bacon grease on bread.[50]
- The Inn of the Dripping Dagger in Waterdeep served thick-cut bacon cooked to order (or raw, if desired) with parsley and bread rolls for 6 copper pieces.[51]
- On the High Moor, the Maid of the Moors restaurant in Mornbryn's Shield served a fryplate consisting of bacon and fried tomatoes and mushrooms topped with almonds and buttery scrambled eggs and finished with pepper and a few drops of brandy.[52]
- The Moonstone Mask in Neverwinter served a hot bacon and kidney pie.[31]
- Mother Teshla's Turret Club for Adventurers in Waterdeep served bacon and butter sandwiches.[53]
- The Old Troll's Foot in Kirinwood, Cormyr served local wild board bacon flavored with strong herbs.[54]
- The Shepherds' Rest in High Dale served a delicious dawnfry with bacon and Reddan wine.[55]
- The Stag Triumphant in Mosstone was known for its omelets, including ones with bacon.[13]
- Stargath House in Purskul was known for it's "Welcome Soup", a creamy stew of smoked bacon, black beans, and chives garnished with mint.[56]
- The Whispering Maiden inn in Zazesspur served a simple breakfast of bacon, quail eggs, and spiced ale.[12]
- The Worried Wyvern in Hill's Edge served a breakfast of toast with bacon, sausage, and drippings.[3]
History[]
Bacon was eaten in northern Faerûn as far back as ancient Netheril.[57]
Rumors & Legends[]
Elminster was a fan of bacon,[58] and enjoyed sandwiches featuring cheese and bacon heated in an Earth microwave.[59]
Druth, a flatfish found in the Akanamere, was said to taste like bacon.[60]
Highmoon Dark was a beer brewed at the Oak and Spear tavern in Highmoon which was said to have an aftertaste similar to bacon.[61]
Appendix[]
Appearances[]
Adventures
Marco Volo: Journey
Novels & Short Stories
Song of the Saurials • Druidhome trilogy (Prophet of Moonshae, The Druid Queen) • Stormlight • King Pinch • Tangled Webs • Dangerous Games • Beyond the High Road • Counselors & Kings (The Magehound, The Wizardwar) • The Black Bouquet • Stardeep • The Ghost King • The God Catcher • Brotherhood of the Griffon (Whisper of Venom, The Spectral Blaze, The Masked Witches) • Brimstone Angels
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Ed Greenwood (November 2000). “The New Adventures of Volo: Dragonwing Stew”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon #277 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 93.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 169. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 195. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Douglas Niles (February 1993). “The Lord of Lowhill”. In James Lowder ed. Realms of Valor (TSR, Inc.), pp. 3–34. ISBN 1-56076-557-7.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Richard Lee Byers (2003). The Black Bouquet. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 12. ISBN 978-0786930425.
- ↑ Erin Evans (February 2010). The God Catcher. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 6. ISBN 978-0-7869-5486-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 181. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
- ↑ R.A. Salvatore (February 4, 2014). The Companions. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 23. ISBN 0-7869-6522-3.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 1996). Stormlight. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 2. ISBN 0-7869-0520-4.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2011). Spellfire. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 12. ISBN 978-0-7869-6173-3.
- ↑ Doug Stewart (November 1997). Castle Spulzeer. (TSR, Inc), p. 18. ISBN 978-0786906697.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 James P. Davis (May 2005). “Possessions”. In Philip Athans ed. Realms of the Dragons II (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 185–200. ISBN 978-0-7869-3808-7.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ed Greenwood (July 2000). Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. Edited by Duane Maxwell, David Noonan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 105. ISBN 0-7869-1626-5.
- ↑ Richard Baker (May 2008). Swordmage. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 5. ISBN 0786947881.
- ↑ Richard Baker (July 2012). Prince of Ravens. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 6.
- ↑ Douglas Niles (July 2011). Darkwell. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 7. ISBN 978-0-7869-5970-9.
- ↑ Douglas Niles (July 2011). Darkwell. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 16. ISBN 978-0-7869-5970-9.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Douglas Niles (March 1993). The Druid Queen. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 8. ISBN 1-5607-6568-2.
- ↑ Mel Odom (1998). The Lost Library of Cormanthyr. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 19. ISBN 0786907355.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 50. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 104. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ R.A. Salvatore (February 4, 2014). The Companions. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 19. ISBN 0-7869-6522-3.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, Michael Witwer (October 2020). Heroes' Feast: The Official D&D Cookbook. (Ten Speed Press). ISBN 978-1-9848-5890-0.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 168. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2000). Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. Edited by Duane Maxwell, David Noonan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 48. ISBN 0-7869-1626-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1991). “The Everwinking Eye: At Home in Maskyr's Eye”. In Jean Rabe ed. Polyhedron #57 (TSR, Inc.), p. 21.
- ↑ Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, Michael Witwer (October 2020). Heroes' Feast: The Official D&D Cookbook. (Ten Speed Press), p. 156. ISBN 978-1-9848-5890-0.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 162. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 126. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 82. ISBN 0786960345.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 139. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ Nigel Findley (September/October 1989). “The Serpent's Tooth”. In Barbara G. Young ed. Dungeon #19 (TSR, Inc.) (19)., p. 29.
- ↑ James Butler, Elizabeth T. Danforth, Jean Rabe (September 1994). “The Settled Lands”. In Karen S. Boomgarden ed. Elminster's Ecologies (TSR, Inc), p. 16. ISBN 1-5607-6917-3.
- ↑ Douglas Niles (1990). Ironhelm. (TSR, Inc), chap. 4. ISBN 0-8803-8903-6.
- ↑ Anthony Herring, Jeff Grubb (1993). Player's Guide to the Forgotten Realms Campaign. (TSR, Inc.), p. 81. ISBN 1-56076-695-6.
- ↑ Richard Baker (May 2008). Swordmage. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 10. ISBN 0786947881.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2011). Spellfire. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 11. ISBN 978-0-7869-6173-3.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 68. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1995). Volo's Guide to Cormyr. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 49. ISBN 0-7869-0151-9.
- ↑ Patricia Cunningham-Reid (May 1989). “Your Home Is Your Castle”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Dragon #145 (TSR, Inc.), p. 34.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 1998). The City of Ravens Bluff. Edited by John D. Rateliff. (TSR, Inc.), p. 152. ISBN 0-7869-1195-6.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1995). Volo's Guide to Cormyr. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 192. ISBN 0-7869-0151-9.
- ↑ Bruce R. Cordell (August 2012). Stardeep. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 6. ISBN 978-0-7869-6386-7.
- ↑ Terence Kemper (January 1994). “The Living City: The Swineherd's House”. In Jean Rabe ed. Polyhedron #91 (TSR, Inc.), p. 15.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 60. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ Richard Baker (Nov 2009). Corsair. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 9. ISBN 0786953071.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2000). Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. Edited by Duane Maxwell, David Noonan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 63. ISBN 0-7869-1626-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2000). Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. Edited by Duane Maxwell, David Noonan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 86. ISBN 0-7869-1626-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 160. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ David Cook (May 1995). King Pinch. (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 0-7869-0127-6.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1993). Volo's Guide to Waterdeep. (TSR, Inc.), p. 113. ISBN 1-56076-335-3.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (1993). Volo's Guide to the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 67. ISBN 1-5607-6678-6.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2005). The Best of the Realms II: "Nothing but Trouble". (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-3760-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1995). Volo's Guide to Cormyr. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 95. ISBN 0-7869-0151-9.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (March 1995). Shadows of Doom. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 11. ISBN 0786903007.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 2000). Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. Edited by Duane Maxwell, David Noonan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 56. ISBN 0-7869-1626-5.
- ↑ Clayton Emery (November 1996). Dangerous Games. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 9. ISBN 0-7869-0524-7.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (December 1997). “Jest the Wizards Three”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon #242 (TSR, Inc.), p. 50.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (September 1992). “The Wizards Three: Magic in the Evening”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Dragon #185 (TSR, Inc.), p. 62.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 86. ISBN 0786960345.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 108. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.