From the Canterbury Tales

They had a cook with them who stood alone

For boiling chicken with a marrow bone,

Sharp flavouring powder and a spice for savour.

He could distinguish London ale by flavour,

And he could roast and boil and seethe and fry,

Make good thick soup and bake a tasty pie ……

As for blancmange, he made it with the best.

                                               -Geoffrey Chaucer