The Tax Day Feast
When the tax collectors come to collect a sizable portion of your money from you, they also throw a huge feast for the town. They always bring too much food and it’s never food that will keep, so it spoils. But it’s an example of how the wealthy noblemen eat and it rubs it in the poor people’s faces that because they took the taxes, they’ll be eating next to nothing for the rest of the year.
History
The Tax Day Feast started off as a gesture of goodwill and it was seen by the people as such. When it began, it catered to the tastes of the people, who favored hearty stews that could be kept on to simmer for days, as well as firmer, darker bread that wouldn't mold easily. The people were also more receptive because, in those days, taxes were lower and the king saw to the needs of his people. With new kings came new taxes and new foods. Royals had the misguided impression that commoners longed to eat like them. With the current taxes being the highest they've ever been and the feasts becoming more and more elaborate, the commoners are becoming quietly disgruntled.
Execution
The Tax Day Feast cooks commandeer the largest kitchen in town, usually in an inn or tavern. As the tax collectors are setting up, the cooks are beginning the feast preparations. When every last tax has been collected, the feast is served on giant tables in the town square.
Components and tools
Sugary sweet cakes, bread puddings, vegetable soups, salads dressed with exotic cheeses, pasta with heavy cream sauce, fish in heavy cream sauce, wine, and brandy.
Participants
The tax collectors and cooks sit down to eat at separate tables. The townfolk are expected to serve themselves buffet-style. Most have never seen this kind of food before.
Observance
Tax Day is the last day of the year but the tax collectors begin a month before that because they have to travel around the country.
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