HOLIDAY ASSOCIATION

Because it takes a lot of time and skill to make ravioli, they were “historically a food for the wealthy or a celebratory food for ordinary people who, on special days, devote extensive energy and resources to preparing something unusual.  I am certain that this association with celebration is why ravioli -- whether it’s mandu or kreplach -- brings such an overwhelmingly positive response from people. Historically, ravioli is for a special occasion.  It is the food of happy times all over the world.”  (Schenone, Laura 2008, 178) Furthermore, “current knowledge of cookery and gastronomy in Middle Ages is that of the aristocrats and upper bourgeoisie because they could afford to choose what they wanted to eat as well as the service of professional cooks.  Therefore, the recipes of the hired cooks were usually what ended up in the books.” (Scurry, Terence Peter 2000, 9)