Beaver Fever: The History of The Hudson's Bay Company - Part I - Beaver Tails

“The Beaver does everything perfectly well: it makes kettles, hatchets, swords, knives, bread; in short, it makes everything.” - Unknown Innu Hunter 

On this episode of The Hungry Historian, our historical hero ventures deep into the northern Canadian wilderness to trace the origins and rise of one of the oldest and most influential commercial enterprises in North America — the Hudson’s Bay Company. 

Founded in 1670, but rooted in the explorations of the 1660s, the HBC was more than just a fur trading outfit; it was a geopolitical force that shaped the continent.

Join him as he explores the bold expedition of Radisson and Groseilliers, learn about the royal charter, and the Company’s dominance over Rupert’s Land — a vast swath of territory that would come to define the future of Canada. 

From rivalries with the French and the Compagnie du Nord, to Indigenous partnerships, brutal winters, and fierce competition during the height of the fur trade, this period from the mid seventeenth century to the late eighteenth lays the groundwork for centuries of economic, cultural, and political change.

But before you grab your snowshoes, and head out into the heart of the Canadian wilderness, you'll want to make sure to whip up a batch of Chef Money's featured recipe to take along with you.

This time, the Chef brings to you a modern Canadian delicacy and one that fits perfectly with this series - Beaver Tails.

Cheers!

Beaver Tails

Ingredients:

• ¾ Cup whole milk warm
• 2 ¼ Teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons canola oil
• 2 Tablespoons butter melted
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 Cups granulated sugar
• Vegetable or canola oil as needed, for deep frying

** FEATURED RECIPE DIRECTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON PART II