ABINGTON, Pa. — Did you know that Shakespeare didn't drink tea, eat potatoes, or use a fork? That rosemary was once used for treating the plague? And that recipes for macaroni and cheese were invented more than 300 years ago?  

Find out what clues in historical recipes tell us about society and culture at "Shakespeare in the Kitchen: Renaissance Literature, Recipes, and Food" at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Penn State Abington. 

The conversation will feature Marissa Nicosia, associate professor of Renaissance literature at Abington and a noted Shakespeare scholar, author and creator of the popular blog "Cooking in the Archives." Nicosia's passion and accessible scholarship bring warmth and humor to the topic whether you are a cook, a history or English buff interested in the Renaissance, or if you want an interesting evening out.

This free event is the first in the new series "Conversations in the Humanities," which will highlight Abington faculty and invited scholars. Friederike Baer, division head for Arts and Humanities and associate professor of history at Abington, will serve as the host and moderator. 

Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 

Time: 6:30 p.m., followed by a light reception 

Location: Sutherland Auditorium, Penn State Abington, 1600 Woodland Road, Abington, PA 19001 

RSVP here for "Shakespeare in the Kitchen."  

About Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 25 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.