This year the pottery shop will host various historical interpreters dressed in period attire demonstrating 17th century Dutch cooking on the hearth of Westmoore Pottery’s large fireplace. This time period is often referred to as “the Golden Age”, as the Dutch nation was truly a world power at the time. Trade was dominated by Dutch merchants and their fleets of ships. This resulted in giving the population of the Netherlands easy access to spices and other foods from far-flung areas. Another result of this trade was that pottery from many countries found its way into Dutch homes to sit side-by-side with Dutch-made pottery of the time. The Dutch also established a strong presence in America in the 17th century, especially evident today in what eventually became New York. Even with the availability of foreign foods, Dutch cooking in the 17th century very much reflected the geography and culture of the Netherlands. Among the foods to be prepared by the cooks on October 12th are three meat dishes (one with rabbit and probably one using duck), two vegetable dishes, and waffles, along with displays on the preservation of food. Westmoore Pottery will offer tastes of several cooked dishes as well as pickled herring and Dutch cheese to visitors. Available at the shop special for the event will be books on Dutch cooking and a lot of replica 17th century Dutch pottery, made by Westmoore Pottery. There is no admission fee and pre-registration is not required. Drop in anytime. The Hearth Cookery events are always the most awaited and enjoyed programs that I host. I try to make sure people both have a good time and learn something new. Westmoore Pottery will be open from 9am to 5pm on October 12th. Cooking demos will be from 10am to 4pm. Hope to see you here on the 12th!