The 2,000-Year History of Mac and Cheese

Explore the epic history of macaroni and cheese! Learn how this comfort food evolved from an ancient Roman dish into a clever religious fasting loophole.Episode Resources:“The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese” by Karima Moyer-NocchiRecipe and Excerpt for the Ancient Ancestor of Macaroni and CheeseKarima Moyer-Nocchi’s Official Website (The Eternal Table)“Chewing the Fat” by Karima Moyer-NocchiThink macaroni and cheese is just a simple American comfort food born out of a blue box? Think again. In this episode of Books & Looks, host Blaine DeSantis sits down with culinary historian Karima Moyer-Nocchi to uncover the incredible 2,000-year journey behind her new book, “The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese”. Listeners will discover how this humble pasta dish evolved from an ancient Roman recipe into a highly contested global icon, giving you a completely new appreciation for your favorite nostalgic meal.Karima reveals how macaroni and cheese served as a clever culinary loophole during strict medieval religious fasting before tracing its sophisticated makeover in the elite courts of France. The conversation dives deep into the fascinating world of food history, exploring the rampant plagiarism found in 19th-century cookbooks and the dramatic, xenophobia-fueled origins of the American pasta industry. We also unpack the fierce historical debates over proper cooking techniques, leaving you to wonder why early Italian recipes called for cinnamon and sugar—and how French chefs ultimately changed the dish forever. If you enjoyed this delicious deep dive into culinary history, be sure to subscribe to Books & Looks and leave us a review. Check the show notes for a link to grab your own copy of Karima’s meticulously researched book and discover your next great read!