As a follow-up to the highly successful book *Dishes from the Cardinal’s Table*, published in 2023 by the Christian Museum, in 2025, to mark the institution’s 150th anniversary, the dessert book *Desserts from the Cardinal’s Table* was published, which continues to showcase the gastronomic world of the 19th-century Prince-Primates of Esztergom. Based on handwritten German-language recipe collections, contemporary menus and other archival sources preserved in the Archiepiscopal Simor Library, these publications evoke the dining culture of the Primate’s court. The two books offer an insight into the preparation of entire menus, ranging from soups and starters through to main courses, desserts and special drinks.
What makes them special is that they combine historical sources with a modern gastronomic perspective: the period recipes are reconstructed and presented to readers, supplemented with stories and interesting facts. With the help of historians, archivists and gastronomy experts, we gain insight into numerous previously unknown details: what the daily routine was like at the Primate’s court, what was served at different times of the day, and what menus awaited participants and guests at special occasions and celebrations. Furthermore, the recipes have been adapted to suit modern tastes and ingredients with the collaboration of a renowned chef. The publications thus offer both an insight into cultural history and the opportunity to recreate the flavours of the past in today’s kitchen, building a bridge between 19th-century and contemporary gastronomy.
You can sample some of the dishes and desserts featured in the cookbooks at the Panorama Café in the Esztergom Basilica or at the Prímás Pince Restaurant.
The publications are available for purchase at the Archdiocese’s affiliated institutions:
