ABSTRACT
The relationship between Christian authorities and converts from Judaism was fraught with tension. Despite baptism as Christians, conversos retained Jewish customs and behaviours which prevented their full inclusion in the Christian faith. Although anti-Jewish rhetoric was often based very loosely in reality, some Christian writers showed a fairly substantial understanding of Jewish food behaviours. Fasting and food choices were undoubtedly important elements in maintaining Christian and Jewish identities, but there was another meaningful way to maintain religious identity: preparation. The traditional system of food provision was altered by the 1391 conversions and then broke down completely after the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. As a result, the prominence of preparation methods as a vital part of religious identity led to a simultaneous interest in the multiple levels of food preparation. These, in turn, were associated with gender. Perhaps more remarkable was the power women had over the religious identities of others through food behaviours.
