Dundurn Castle: MacNab's Kitchen Workshop and Garden Tour

In the 19th century servants were employed in large homes like Dundurn to do a variety of tasks such as cleaning, polishing and cooking. Assisted by Dundurn’s Cook Demonstrators, participants will work together to make a traditional recipe in the historic kitchen. Recipes will be seasonal options that can come from the garden; some common recipes have been salads, tarts, turnovers, fritters, and rissoles. Everyone will receive a recipe booklet to keep that they will use to follow and cook from.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore with costumed staff over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family and the servants who lived and worked below stairs.

Following the workshop and after a short break participants will explore the lovingly restored Historic Kitchen Garden where costumed staff grow over 200 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for use in the historic kitchen.

ABOUT DUNDURN CASTLE:

Dundurn Castle is a 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830’s on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British during the War of 1812.

Once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, railway magnate, lawyer and Premier of the United Canadas (1854-1856) and his family, today Dundurn Castle tells the story of the family who lived above stairs and the servants who lived and worked below stairs. Her Majesty, The Queen Consort is the museum’s Patron and the great, great, great granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab.

William Reid was Sir Allan’s gardener for over 25 years. Explore the lovingly restored Historic Kitchen Garden where costumed staff grow over 200 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for use in the historic kitchen. The Historic Kitchen Garden is open mid-May through mid-October for free self-guided tours, educational programs and pre-booked guided tours.

ABOUT CULINARY HISTORIANS OF CANADA

The mission of the Culinary Historians of Canada is to inspire appreciation and advance knowledge of Canada’s food history.

The CHC researches, interprets, preserves and celebrates Canada’s culinary heritage, which has been shaped by the food traditions of the Indigenous peoples and generations of people who have arrived from all parts of the world. Through programs, events and publications, CHC educates its members and the public about the foods and beverages of Canada’s past. Founded as the Culinary Historians of Ontario in 1994, CHC welcomes new members wherever they live.

Host or Publisher Culinary Historians of Canada