Join us for an evening exploring (and tasting!) fascinating research into early modern recipe books considering both culinary contributions and properties of the medicinal plant ingredients. The evening will begin with an introduction to the ‘Healing words’ exhibition with curator and archive manager Pamela Forde followed by two lectures. There will also be an exciting interlude for historic chocolate tasting including the chance to take home your own hot chocolate made to a recipe from one of the RCP books! For our first lecture, join Dr Amanda Herbert, Associate Professor of Early Modern Americas in the History Department at Durham University to discuss 'Mountebanks, farm workers, and wet-nurses: culinary contribution and collaboration in early modern British recipe books'. During the drinks break, Dr Herbert will lead a delicious tasting session with early chocolate ingredients and discuss their history. You'll even get to make your own special blend of early modern drinking chocolate to take home. Our second lecture is with Dr. Henry Oakeley, RCP fellow, and expert on medicinal plants who will lead the audience to explore 'Healing plants: historic medicines in the RCP Garden'.