Creatividad Gastronomica continues to delight us always providing new culinary inspirations! The Scallop Shell of Saint James also inspires and its tradition goes back centuries. There are many different connections that the scallop shell has with St. James and Santiago de Compostela a few are listed below. Pilgrims were very grateful for any food shared with them during their long and arduous journey – a little different than today’s incredibly savory creation.
“The scallop shell is the traditional emblem of James, son of Zebedee, and is popular with pilgrims on the Way of St James to the apostle’s shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Galicia (Spain). Medieval Christians making thepilgrimage to his shrine often wore a scallop shell symbol on their hat or clothes. The pilgrim also carried a scallop shell with him, and would present himself at churches, castles, abbeys etc., where he could expect to be given as much sustenance as he could pick up with one scoop. Probably he would be given oats, barley, and perhaps beer or wine. Thus even the poorest household could give charity without being overburdened. The association of Saint James with the scallop can most likely be traced to the legend that the apostle once rescued a knight covered in scallops. An alternative version of the legend holds that while St. James’ remains were being transported to Galicia (Spain) from Jerusalem, the horse of a knight fell into the water, and emerged covered in the shells.[citation needed] Indeed, in French the animal (as well as a popular preparation of it in cream sauce) is called Coquille St. Jacques. In German they are “Jakobsmuscheln”—literally “James mussels.” – WIKIPEDIA
Thank you Creatividad Gastronomica for always inspiring us with Corolle de Saint-Jacques de Dieppe, effeuillé de tourteau ! For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/CREATIVIDAD.GASTRONOMICA
