State Museum presents food, history programs
Free Dec. 2 holiday market features many N.Y. products
The New York State Museum’s Taste NY Holiday Market on Dec. 2 will feature plenty of food samples to go with some historic perspectives.
Thirty “made in New York” food and beverage vendors will be set up at the market from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Goods for sampling an sales include chocolates, cheese, maple products and hand-crafted beer, wine, spirits and cider — all produced in the state. Activities:
■ Lavada Nahon, culinary historian, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Enjoy learning about the diverse foodways of New Netherland and early New York. Explore how the lives and cultures of the Dutch mixed with those of the English, enslaved Africans, French, Germans, Jews and others to create a vibrant foundation found nowhere else in colonial America.
■ Second Regiment of the Albany County Militia – Colonial Foodways, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Explore 18th century food in both the military and the home front. Enjoy everything from beer to bread and learn how our founding mothers and fathers ate during the American Revolution.
■ Paul Supley, chocolate historian, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Enjoy historic foodways at their sweetest with Supley, affiliated with Van Wyckes Chocolate House. Van Wyckes Chocolate House explores the importance of chocolate in the 18th century through handson engagement. Discover the historical uses of chocolate as a medicine, a breakfast food and a pleasurable treat. Explore the material culture behind the making of chocolate and take the opportunity to discuss with. Supley the different ways 18th century New Yorkers enjoyed one of our favorite guilty pleasures.
■ Cooking demonstration with Chef Michael Lapi, 1 to 2 p.m.: Focusing on fresh ingredients from local farms in the Mohawk Valley, Lapi will cook up a recipe for holiday entertaining.
■ The annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival at the Empire State Plaza will also take place on Dec. 2.