The Capon

This marvelous bird is a result of too much government control! Back in Ancient Roman times, the Roman Senate was concerned about the people having too many feasts and having too good a time. So, they outlawed fatted Chickens! A very clever Surgeon managed to 'de-sex' the Rooster, resulting in a super fat, tender and delicious "Capon" - The "Soprano Chicken" that is far more tender and tasty than a regular chicken or a turkey. Plus the Capon is a lot smaller, which helps! So the people got around the Senate ban of Chickens for their feasts, only to create something better - The Capon. A good final result from government meddling!

The Smithfield Ham 

The traditional slow cured Smithfield Ham is always part of our holidays at the Todd House. Back in the 1700's, one of my ancestors, Capt Mallory Todd traded goods from Virginia to the Caribbean Islands. The ham industry in Smithfield goes back to Colonial Times when Capt. Mallory Todd, a merchantman from Bermuda, set up shop in town and began exporting hams as early as 1779. Capt. Todd is credited with the creation of the Smithfield ham with his distinct salt and smoke cured country hams. In exchange for Todds Old Virginia Hams, he brought in fine Rum and other Caribbean products. Todd's business was very successful and his first packing house was built in 1880. It is now the Smithfield Company, a Fortune 200, built on Hams!