If you enjoy www.victorianlondon.org why not ...
[... back to menu for this book]
RECIPES.
CHAPTER XXIX.
BAKED APPLE CUSTARD.
1389. INGREDIENTS.--1 dozen large apples,
moist sugar to taste, 1 small teacupful of cold water, the grated rind of one
lemon, 1 pint of milk, 4 eggs, 2 oz. of loaf sugar.
Mode.--Peel, cut, and core the apples; put them
into a lined saucepan with the cold water, and as they heat, bruise them to a
pulp; sweeten with moist sugar, and add the grated lemon-rind. When cold, put
the fruit at the bottom of a pie-dish, and pour over it a custard, made with the
above proportion of milk, eggs, and sugar; grate a little nutmeg over the top,
place the dish in a moderate oven, and bake from 25 to 35 minutes. The above
proportions will make rather a large dish.
Time.--25 to 35 minutes.
Average cost, 1s. 4d.
Sufficient for 6 or 7 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
BUTTERED APPLES (Sweet Entremets).
1390. INGREDIENTS.--Apple marmalade No. 1395,
6 or 7 good boiling apples, 1/2 pint of water, 6 oz. of sugar, 2 oz. of butter,
a little apricot jam.
Mode.--Pare the apples, and take out the cores
without dividing them; boil up the sugar and water for a few minutes; then lay
in the apples, and simmer them very gently until tender, taking care not to let
them break. Have ready sufficient marmalade made by recipe No. 1395, and
flavoured with lemon, to cover the bottom of the dish; arrange the apples on
this with a piece of butter placed in each, and in between them a few spoonfuls
of apricot jam or marmalade; place the dish in the oven for 10 minutes, then
sprinkle over the top sifted sugar; either brown it before the fire or with a
salamander, and serve hot.
Time.--From 20 to 30 minutes to stew the apples
very gently, 10 minutes in the oven.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 1 entremets.
Note.--The syrup that the apples were boiled in
should be saved for another occasion.
FLANC OF APPLES, or APPLES IN A RAISED CRUST.
(Sweet Entremets.)
1391. INGREDIENTS.--3/4 lb. of short crust No.
1211 or 1212, 9 moderate-sized apples, the rind and juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 lb.
of white sugar, 3/4 pint of water, a few strips of candied citron.
Mode.--Make a short crust by either of the above
recipes; roll it out to the thickness of 1/2 inch, and butter an oval mould;
line it with the crust, and press it carefully all round the sides, to obtain
the form of the mould, but be particular not to break the paste. Pinch the part
that just rises above the mould with the paste-pincers, and fill the case with
flour; bake it for about 3/4 hour; then take it out of the oven, remove the
flour, put the case back in the oven for another 1/4 hour, and do not allow it
to get scorched. It is now ready for the apples, which should be prepared in the
following manner: peel, and take out the cores with a small knife, or a cutter
for the purpose, without dividing the apples; put them into a small lined
saucepan, just capable of holding them, with sugar, water, lemon juice and rind,
in the above proportion. Let them simmer very gently until tender; then take out
the apples, let them cool, arrange them in the flanc or case, and boil down the
syrup until reduced to a thick jelly; pour it over the apples, and garnish them
with a few slices of candied citron.
1392. A MORE SIMPLE FLANC may be made by rolling out the
paste, cutting the bottom of a round or oval shape, and then a narrow strip for
the sides: these should be stuck on with the white of an egg, to the bottom
piece, and the flanc then filled with raw fruit, with sufficient sugar to
sweeten it nicely. It will not require so long baking as in a mould; but the
crust must be made everywhere of an equal thickness, and so perfectly joined,
that the juice does not escape. This dish may also be served hot, and should be
garnished in the same manner, or a little melted apricot jam may be poured over
the apples, which very much improves their flavour.
Time.--Altogether, 1 hour to bake the flanc from
30 to 40 minutes to stew the apples very gently.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 1 entremets or side-dish.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLE FRITTERS.
1393. INGREDIENTS.--For the batter, 1/2 lb. of
flour, 1/2 oz. of butter, 1/2 saltspoonful of salt, 2 eggs, milk, apples, hot
lard or clarified beef-dripping.
Mode.--Break the eggs; separate the whites from
the yolks, and beat them separately. Put the flour into a basin, stir in the
butter, which should be melted to a cream; add the salt, and moisten with
sufficient warm milk to make it of a proper consistency, that is to say, a
batter that will drop from the spoon. Stir this well, rub down any lumps that
may be seen, and add the whites of the eggs, which have been previously well
whisked; beat up the batter for a few minutes, and it is ready for use. Now peel
and cut the apples into rather thick whole slices, without dividing them, and
stamp out the middle of each slice, where the core is, with a cutter. Throw the
slices into the batter; have ready a pan of boiling lard or clarified dripping;
take out the pieces of apple one by one, put them into the hot lard, and fry a
nice brown, turning them--when required. When done, lay them on a piece of
blotting-paper before the fire, to absorb the greasy moisture; then dish on a
white d'oyley, piled one above the other; strew over them some pounded sugar,
and serve very hot. The flavour of the fritters would be very much improved by
soaking the pieces of apple in a little wine, mixed with sugar and lemon-juice,
for 3 or 4 hours before wanted for table; the batter, also, is better for being
mixed some hours before the fritters are made.
Time.--About 10 minutes to fry them; 5 minutes to
drain them.
Average cost, 9d.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
ICED APPLES, or APPLE HEDGEHOG.
1394. INGREDIENTS.--About 3 dozen good boiling
apples, 1/2 lb. of sugar, 1/2 pint of water, the rind of 1/2 lemon minced very
fine, the whites of 2 eggs, 3 tablespoonfuls of pounded sugar, a few sweet
almonds.
Mode.--Peel and core a dozen of the apples
without dividing them, and stew them very gently in a lined saucepan with 1/2
lb. of sugar and 1/2 pint of water, and when tender, lift them carefully on to a
dish. Have ready the remainder of the apples pared, cored, and cut into thin
slices; put them into the same syrup with the lemon-peel, and boil gently until
they are reduced to a marmalade: they must be kept stirred, to prevent them from
burning. Cover the bottom of a dish with some of the marmalade, and over that a
layer of the stewed apples, in the insides of which, and between each, place
some of the marmalade; then place another layer of apples, and fill up the
cavities with marmalade as before, forming the whole into a raised oval shape.
Whip the whites of the eggs to a stiff froth, mix with them the pounded sugar,
and cover the apples very smoothly all over with the icing; blanch and cut each
almond into 4 or 5 strips; place these strips at equal distances over the icing
sticking up; strew over a little rough pounded sugar, and place the dish in a
very slow oven, to colour the almonds, and for the apples to get warm through.
This entremets may also be served cold, and makes a pretty supper-dish.
Time.--From 20 to 30 minutes to stew the apples.
Average cost, 1s. 9d. to 2s.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
THICK APPLE JELLY OR MARMALADE, for Entremets or Dessert Dishes.
1395. INGREDIENTS.--Apples; to every lb. of
pulp allow 3/4 lb. of sugar, 1/2 teaspoonful of minced lemon-peel.
Mode.--Peel, core, and boil the apples with only
sufficient water to prevent them from burning; beat them to a pulp, and to every
lb. of pulp allow the above proportion of sugar in lumps. Dip the lumps into
water; put these into a saucepan, and boil till the syrup is thick and can be
well skimmed; then add this syrup to the apple pulp, with the minced lemon-peel,
and stir it over a quick fire for about 20 minutes, or until the apples cease to
stick to the bottom of the pan. The jelly is then done, and may be poured into
moulds which have been previously dipped in water, when it will turn out nicely
for dessert or a side-dish; for the latter a little custard should be poured
round, and it should be garnished with strips of citron or stuck with blanched
almonds.
Time.--From 1/2 to 3/4 hour to reduce the apples
to a pulp; 20 minutes to boil after the sugar is added.
Sufficient.--1-1/2 lb. of apples sufficient for a
small mould.
Seasonable from July to March; but is best in
September, October or November.
CLEAR APPLE JELLY.
1396. INGREDIENTS.--2 dozen apples, 1-1/2 pint
of spring-water; to every pint of juice allow 1/2 lb. of loaf sugar, 1/2 oz. of
isinglass, the rind of 1/2 lemon.
Mode.--Pare, core, and cut the apples into
quarters, and boil them, with the lemon-peel, until tender; then strain off the
apples, and run the juice through a jelly-bag; put the strained juice, with the
sugar and isinglass, which has been previously boiled in 1/2 pint of water, into
a lined saucepan or preserving-pan; boil all together for about 1/4 hour, and
put the jelly into moulds. When this jelly is nice and clear, and turned out
well, it makes a pretty addition to the supper-table, with a little custard or
whipped cream round it: the addition of a little lemon-juice improves the
flavour, but it is apt to render the jelly muddy and thick. If required to be
kept any length of time, rather a larger proportion of sugar must be used.
Time.--From 1 to 1-1/2 hour to boil the apples;
1/4 hour the jelly.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for a 1-1/2-pint mould.
Seasonable from July to March.
A PRETTY DISH OF APPLES AND RICE.
1397. INGREDIENTS.--6 oz. of rice, 1 quart of
milk, the rind of 1/2 lemon, sugar to taste, 1/2 saltspoonful of salt, 8 apples,
1/4 lb. of sugar, 1/4 pint of water, 1/2 pint of boiled custard No. 1423.
Mode.--Flavour the milk with lemon-rind, by
boiling them together for a few minutes; then take out the peel, and put in the
rice, with sufficient sugar to sweeten it nicely, and boil gently until the rice
is quite soft; then let it cool. In the mean time pare, quarter, and core the
apples, and boil them until tender in a syrup made with sugar and water in the
above proportion; and, when soft, lift them out on a sieve to drain. Now put a
middling-sized gallipot in the centre of a dish; lay the rice all round till the
top of the gallipot is reached; smooth the rice with the back of a spoon, and
stick the apples into it in rows, one row sloping to the right and the next to
the left. Set it in the oven to colour the apples; then, when required for
table, remove the gallipot, garnish the rice with preserved fruits, and pour in
the middle sufficient custard, made by recipe No. 1423, to be level with the top
of the rice, and serve hot.
Time.--From 20 to 30 minutes to stew the apples;
3/4 hour to simmer the rice; 1/4 hour to bake.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLES A LA PORTUGAISE.
1398. INGREDIENTS.--8 good boiling apples, 1/2
pint of water, 6 oz. of sugar, a layer of apple marmalade No. 1395, 8 preserved
cherries, garnishing of apricot jam.
Mode.--Peel the apples, and, with a
vegetable-cutter, push out the cores; boil them in the above proportion of sugar
and water, without being too much done, and take care they do not break. Have
ready a white apple marmalade, made by recipe No. 1395; cover the bottom of the
dish with this, level it, and lay the apples in a sieve to drain, pile them
neatly on the marmalade, making them high in the centre, and place a preserved
cherry in the middle of each. Garnish with strips of candied citron or apricot
jam, and the dish is ready for table.
Time.--From 20 to SO minutes to stew the apples.
Average cost, 1s. 3d.
Sufficient for 1 entremets.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLES IN RED JELLY.
(A pretty Supper Dish.)
1399. INGREDIENTS.--6 good-sized apples, 12
cloves, pounded sugar, 1 lemon, 2 teacupfuls of water, 1 tablespoonful of
gelatine, a few drops of prepared cochineal.
Mode.--Choose rather large apples; peel them and
take out the cores, either with a scoop or a small silver knife, and put into
each apple 2 cloves and as much sifted sugar as they will hold. Place them,
without touching each other, in a large pie-dish; add more white sugar, the
juice of 1 lemon, and 2 teacupfuls of water. Bake in the oven, with a dish over
them, until they are done. Look at them frequently, and, as each apple is
cooked, place it in a glass dish. They must not be left in the oven after they
are done, or they will break, and so would spoil the appearance of the dish.
When the apples are neatly arranged in the dish without touching each other,
strain the liquor in which they have been stewing, into a lined saucepan; add to
it the rind of the lemon, and a tablespoonful of gelatine which has been
previously dissolved in cold water, and, if not sweet, a little more sugar, and
6 cloves. Boil till quite clear; colour with a few drops of prepared cochineal,
and strain the jelly through a double muslin into a jug; let it cool a little;
then pour it into the dish round the apples. When quite cold, garnish the tops
of the apples with a bright-coloured marmalade, a jelly, or the white of an egg,
beaten to a strong froth, with a little sifted sugar.
Time.--From 30 to 50 minutes to bake the apples.
Average cost, 1s., with the garnishing.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLES AND RICE.
(A Plain Dish.)
1400. INGREDIENTS.--8 good sized apples, 3 oz.
of butter, the rind of 1/2 lemon minced very fine, 6 oz. of rice, 1-1/2 pint of
milk, sugar to taste, 1/2 teaspoonful of grated nutmeg, 6 tablespoonfuls of
apricot jam.
Mode.--Peel the apples, halve them, and take out
the cores; put them into a stewpan with the butter, and strew sufficient sifted
sugar over to sweeten them nicely, and add the minced lemon-peel. Stew the
apples very gently until tender, taking care they do not break. Boil the rice,
with the milk, sugar, and nutmeg, until soft, and, when thoroughly done, dish
it, piled high in the centre; arrange the apples on it, warm the apricot jam,
pour it over the whole, and serve hot.
Time.--About 30 minutes to stew the apples very
gently; about 3/4 hour to cook the rice.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLE SNOW.
(A pretty Supper Dish.)
1401. INGREDIENTS.--10 good-sized apples, the
whites of 10 eggs, the rind of 1 lemon, 1/2 lb. of pounded sugar.
Mode.--Peel, core, and cut the apples into
quarters, and put them into a saucepan with the lemon-peel and sufficient water
to prevent them from burning,--rather less than 1/2 pint. When they are tender,
take out the peel, beat them to a pulp, let them cool, and stir them to the
whites of the eggs, which should be previously beaten to a strong froth. Add the
sifted sugar, and continue the whisking until the mixture becomes quite stiff;
and either heap it on a glass dish, or serve it in small glasses. The dish may
be garnished with preserved barberries, or strips of bright-coloured jelly; and
a dish of custards should be served with it, or a jug of cream.
Time.--From 30 to 40 minutes to stew the apples.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill a moderate-sized glass dish.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLE SOUFFLE.
1402. INGREDIENTS.--6 oz. of rice, 1 quart of
milk, the rind of 1/2 lemon, sugar to taste, the yolks of 4 eggs, the whites of
6, 1-1/2 oz. of butter, 4 tablespoonfuls of apple marmalade No. 1395.
Mode.--Boil the milk with the lemon-peel until
the former is well flavoured; then strain it, put in the rice, and let it
gradually swell over a slow fire, adding sufficient sugar to sweeten it nicely.
Then crush the rice to a smooth pulp with the back of a wooden spoon; line the
bottom and sides of a round cake-tin with it, and put it into the oven to set;
turn it out of the tin carefully, and be careful that the border of rice is firm
in every part. Mix with the marmalade the beaten yolks of eggs and the butter,
and stir these over the fire until the mixture thickens. Take it off the fire;
to this add the whites of the eggs, which should be previously beaten to a
strong froth; stir all together, and put it into the rice border. Bake in a
moderate oven for about 1/2 hour, or until the soufflé rises very light. It
should be watched, and served instantly, or it will immediately fall after it is
taken from the oven.
Time.--1/2 hour.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons.
Seasonable from July to March.
STEWED APPLES AND CUSTARD.
(A pretty Dish for a Juvenile Supper.)
1403. INGREDIENTS.--7 good-sized apples, the
rind of 1/2 lemon or 4 cloves, 1/2 lb. of sugar, 3/4 pint of water, 1/2 pint of
custard No. 1423.
Mode.--Pare and take out the cores of the apples,
without dividing them, and, if possible, leave the stalks on; boil the sugar and
water together for 10 minutes; then put in the apples with the lemon-rind or
cloves, whichever flavour may be preferred, and simmer gently until they are
tender, taking care not to let them break. Dish them neatly on a glass dish,
reduce the syrup by boiling it quickly for a few minutes, let it cool a little;
then pour it over the apples. Have ready quite 1/2 pint of custard made by
recipe No. 1423; pour it round, but not over, the apples when they are quite
cold, and the dish is ready for table. A few almonds blanched and cut into
strips, and stuck in the apples, would improve their appearance.--See coloured
plate Q1.
Time.--From 20 to 30 minutes to stew the apples.
Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient to fill a large glass dish.
Seasonable from July to March.
APPLE TRIFLE.
(A Supper Dish.)
1404. INGREDIENTS.--10 good-sized apples, the
rind of 1/2 lemon, 6 oz. of pounded sugar, 1/2 pint of milk, 1/2 pint of cream,
2 eggs, whipped cream.
Mode.--Peel, core, and cut the apples into thin
slices, and put them into a saucepan with 2 tablespoonfuls of water, the sugar,
and minced lemon-rind. Boil all together until quite tender, and pulp the apples
through a sieve; if they should not be quite sweet enough, add a little more
sugar, and put them at the bottom of the dish to form a thick layer. Stir
together the milk, cream, and eggs, with a little sugar, over the fire, and let
the mixture thicken, but do not allow it to reach the boiling-point. When thick,
take it off the fire; let it cool a little, then pour it over the apples. Whip
some cream with sugar, lemon-peel, &c., the same as for other trifles; heap
it high over the custard, and the dish is ready for table. It may be garnished
as fancy dictates, with strips of bright apple jelly, slices of citron, &c.
Time.--From 30 to 40 minutes to stew the apples;
10 minutes to stir the custard over the fire.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for a moderate-sized trifle.
Seasonable from July to March.
APRICOT CREAM.
1405. INGREDIENTS.--12 to 16 ripe apricots,
1/4 lb. of sugar, 1-1/2 pint of milk, the yolks of 8 eggs, 1 oz. of isinglass.
Mode.--Divide the apricots, take out the stones,
and boil them in a syrup made with 1/4 lb. of sugar and 1/4 pint of water, until
they form a thin marmalade, which rub through a sieve. Boil the milk with the
other 1/4 lb. of sugar, let it cool a little, then mix with it the yolks of eggs
which have been previously well beaten; put this mixture into a jug, place this
jug in boiling water, and stir it one way over the fire until it thickens; but
on no account let it boil. Strain through a sieve, add the isinglass, previously
boiled with a small quantity of water, and keep stirring it till nearly cold;
then mix the cream with the apricots; stir well, put it into an oiled mould,
and, if convenient, set it on ice; at any rate, in a very cool place. It should
turn out on the dish without any difficulty.
Time.--From 20 to 30 minutes to boil the
apricots.
Average cost, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould.
Seasonable in August, September, and October.
Note.--In winter-time, when fresh apricots are
not obtainable, a little jam may be substituted for them.
FLANC OF APRICOTS, or Compote of Apricots in a
Raised Crust.
(Sweet Entremets.)
1406. INGREDIENTS.--3/4 lb. of short crust No.
1212, from 9 to 12 good-sized apricots, 3/4 pint of water, 1/2 lb. of sugar.
Mode.--Make a short crust by recipe No. 1212, and
line a mould with it as directed in recipe No. 1391. Boil the sugar and water
together for 10 minutes; halve the apricots, take out the stones, and simmer
them in the syrup until tender; watch them carefully, and take them up the
moment they are done, for fear they break. Arrange them neatly in the flanc or
case; boil the syrup until reduced to a jelly, pour it over the fruit, and serve
either hot or cold. Greengages, plums of all kinds, peaches, &c., may be
done in the same manner, as also currants, raspberries, gooseberries,
strawberries, &c.; but with the last-named fruits, a little currant-juice
added to them will be found an improvement.
Time.--Altogether, 1 hour to bake the flanc,
about 10 minutes to simmer the apricots.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 1 entremets or side-dish.
Seasonable in July, August, and September.
ARROWROOT BLANC-MANGE.
(An inexpensive Supper Dish.)
1407. INGREDIENTS.--4 heaped tablespoonfuls of
arrowroot, 1-1/2 pint of milk, 3 laurel-leaves or the rind of 1/2 lemon, sugar
to taste.
Mode.--Mix to a smooth batter the arrowroot with
1/2 pint of the milk; put the other pint on the fire, with laurel-leaves or
lemon-peel, whichever may be preferred, and let the milk steep until it is well
flavoured. Then strain the milk, and add it, boiling, to the mixed arrowroot;
sweeten it with sifted sugar, and let it boil, stirring it all the time, till it
thickens sufficiently to come from the saucepan. Grease a mould with pure
salad-oil, pour in the blanc-mange, and when quite set, turn it out on a dish,
and pour round it a compôte of any kind of fruit, or garnish it with jam. A
tablespoonful of brandy, stirred in just before the blanc-mange is moulded, very
much improves the flavour of this sweet dish.
Time.--Altogether, 1/2 hour.
Average cost, 6d. without the garnishing.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons.
Seasonable at any time.
BLANC-MANGE.
(A Supper Dish.)
1408. INGREDIENTS.--1 pint of new milk, 1-1/4
oz. of isinglass, the rind of 1/2 lemon, 1/4 lb. of loaf sugar, 10 bitter
almonds, 1/2 oz. of sweet almonds, 1 pint of cream.
Mode.--Put the milk into a saucepan, with the
isinglass, lemon-rind, and sugar, and let these ingredients stand by the side of
the fire until the milk is well flavoured; add the almonds, which should be
blanched and pounded in a mortar to a paste, and let the milk just boil up;
strain it through a fine sieve or muslin into a jug, add the cream, and stir the
mixture occasionally until nearly cold. Let it stand for a few minutes, then
pour it into the mould, which should be previously oiled with the purest
salad-oil, or dipped in cold water. There will be a sediment at the bottom of
the jug, which must not be poured into the mould, as, when turned out, it would
very much disfigure the appearance of the blanc-mange. This blanc-mange may be
made very much richer by using 1-1/2 pint of cream, and melting the isinglass in
1/2 pint of boiling water. The flavour may also be very much varied by adding
bay-leaves, laurel-leaves, or essence of vanilla, instead of the lemon-rind and
almonds. Noyeau, Maraschino, Curaçoa, or any favourite liqueur, added in small
proportions, very much enhances the flavour of this always favourite dish. In
turning it out, just loosen the edges of the blanc-mange from the mould, place a
dish on it, and turn it quickly over; it should come out easily, and the
blanc-mange have a smooth glossy appearance when the mould is oiled, which it
frequently has not when it is only dipped in water. It may be garnished as fancy
dictates.
Time.--About 1-1/2 hour to steep the lemon-rind
and almonds in the milk.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, 3s. 3d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
CHEAP BLANC-MANGE.
1409. INGREDIENTS.--1/4 lb. of sugar, 1 quart
of milk, 1-1/2 oz. of isinglass, the rind of 1/2 lemon, 4 laurel-leaves.
Mode.--Put all the ingredients into a lined
saucepan, and boil gently until the isinglass is dissolved; taste it
occasionally, to ascertain when it is sufficiently flavoured with the
laurel-leaves; then take them out, and keep stirring the mixture over the fire
for about 10 minutes. Strain it through a fine sieve into a jug, and, when
nearly cold, pour it into a well-oiled mould, omitting the sediment at the
bottom. Turn it out carefully on a dish, and garnish with preserves, bright
jelly, or a compote of fruit.
Time.--Altogether, 1/2 hour. Average cost,
8d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
BREAD-AND-BUTTER FRITTERS.
1410. INGREDIENTS.--Batter, 8 slices of bread
and butter, 3 or 4 tablespoonfuls of jam.
Mode.--Make a batter, the same as for apple
fritters No. 1393; cut some slices of bread and butter, not very thick; spread
half of them with any jam that may he preferred, and cover with the other
slices; slightly press them together, and cut them out in square, long, or round
pieces. Dip them in the batter, and fry in boiling lard for about 10 minutes;
drain them before the fire on a piece of blotting-paper or cloth. Dish them,
sprinkle over sifted sugar, and serve.
Time.--About 10 minutes.
Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
TO MAKE THE STOCK FOR JELLY, AND TO CLARIFY IT.
1411. INGREDIENTS.--2 calf's feet, 6 pints of
water.
Mode.--The stock for jellies should always be
made the day before it is required for use, as the liquor has time to cool, and
the fat can be so much more easily and effectually removed when thoroughly set.
Procure from the butcher's 2 nice calf's feet: scald them, to take off the hair;
slit them in two, remove the fat from between the claws, and wash the feet well
in warm water; put them into a stewpan, with the above proportion of cold water,
bring it gradually to boil, and remove every particle of scum as it rises. When
it is well skimmed, boil it very gently for 6 or 7 hours, or until the liquor is
reduced rather more than half; then strain it through a sieve into a basin, and
put it in a cool place to set. As the liquor is strained, measure it, to
ascertain the proportion for the jelly, allowing something for the sediment and
fat at the top. To clarify it, carefully remove all the fat from the top, pour
over a little warm water, to wash away any that may remain, and wipe the jelly
with a clean cloth; remove the jelly from the sediment, put it into a saucepan,
and, supposing the quantity to be a quart, add to it 6 oz. of loaf sugar, the
shells and well-whisked whites of 5 eggs, and stir these ingredients together
cold; set the saucepan on the fire, but do not stir the jelly after it begins
to warm. Let it boil about 10 minutes after it rises to a head, then throw
in a teacupful of cold water; let it boil 5 minutes longer, then take the
saucepan off, cover it closely, and let it remain 1/2 hour near the fire. Dip
the jelly-bag into hot water, wring it out quite dry, and fasten it on to a
stand or the back of a chair, which must be placed near the fire, to prevent the
jelly from setting before it has run through the bag. Place a basin underneath
to receive the jelly; then pour it into the bag, and should it not be clear the
first time, run it through the bag again. This stock is the foundation of all really
good jellies, which may be varied in innumerable ways, by colouring and
flavouring with liqueurs, and by moulding it with fresh and preserved fruits. To
insure the jelly being firm when turned out, 1/2 oz. of isinglass clarified
might be added to the above proportion of stock. Substitutes for calf's feet are
now frequently used in making jellies, which lessen the expense and trouble in
preparing this favourite dish; isinglass and gelatine being two of the principal
materials employed; but, although they may look as nicely as jellies made
from good stock, they are never so delicate, having very often an unpleasant
flavour, somewhat resembling glue, particularly when made with gelatine.
Time.--About 6 hours to boil the feet for the
stock; to clarify it,--1/4 hour to boil, 1/2 hour to stand in the saucepan
covered.
Average cost.--Calf's feet may be purchased for
6d. each when veal is in full season, but more expensive when it is scarce.
Sufficient.--2 calf's feet should make 1 quart of
stock.
Seasonable from March to October, but may be had
all the year.
HOW TO MAKE A JELLY-BAG.--The very stout flannel called double-mill, used for ironing-blankets, is the best material for a jelly-bag: those of home manufacture are the only ones to be relied on for thoroughly clearing the jelly. Care should be taken that the seam of the bag be stitched twice, to secure it against unequal filtration. The most convenient mode of using the big is to tie it upon a hoop the exact size of the outside of its mouth; and, to do this, strings should be sewn round it at equal distances. The jelly-bag may, of coarse, be made any size; but one of twelve or fourteen inches deep, and seven or eight across the mouth, will be sufficient for ordinary use. The form of a jelly-bag is the fool's cap.
COW-HEEL STOCK FOR JELLIES.
(More Economical than Calf's Feet.)
1412. INGREDIENTS.--2 cow-heels, 3 quarts of
water.
Mode.--Procure 2 heels that have only been
scalded, and not boiled; split them in two, and remove the fat between the
claws; wash them well in warm water, and put them into a saucepan with the above
proportion of cold water; bring it gradually to boil, remove all the scum as it
rises, and simmer the heels gently from 7 to 8 hours, or until the liquor is
reduced one-half; then strain it into a basin, measuring the quantity, and put
it in a cool place. Clarify it in the same manner as calf's-feet stock No. 1411,
using, with the other ingredients, about 1/2 oz. of isinglass to each quart.
This stock should be made the day before it is required for use. Two dozen
shank-bones of mutton, boiled for 6 or 7 hours, yield a quart of strong firm
stock. They should be put on in 2 quarts of water, which should be reduced
one-half. Make this also the day before it is required.
Time.--7 to 8 hours to boil the cow-heels, 6 to 7
hours to boil the shank-bones.
Average cost, from 4d. to 6d. each.
Sufficient.--2 cow-heels should make 3 pints of
stock.
Seasonable at any time.
ISINGLASS OR GELATINE JELLY.
(Substitutes for Calf's Feet.)
1413. INGREDIENTS.--3 oz. of isinglass or
gelatine, 2 quarts of water.
Mode.--Put the isinglass or gelatine into a
saucepan with the above proportion of cold water; bring it quickly to boil, and
let it boil very fast, until the liquor is reduced one-half. Carefully remove
the scum as it rises, then strain it through a jelly-bag, and it will be ready
for use. If not required very clear, it may be merely strained through a fine
sieve, instead of being run through a bag. Rather more than 1/2 oz. of isinglass
is about the proper quantity to use for a quart of strong calf's-feet stock, and
rather more than 2 oz. for the same quantity of fruit juice. As isinglass varies
so much in quality and strength, it is difficult to give the exact proportions.
The larger the mould, the stiffer should be the jelly; and where there is no
ice, more isinglass must be used than if the mixture were frozen. This forms a
stock for all kinds of jellies, which may be flavoured in many ways.
Time.--1-1/2 hour.
Sufficient, with wine, syrup, fruit, &c., to
fill two moderate-sized moulds.
Seasonable at any time.
Note.--The above, when boiled, should be
perfectly clear, and may be mixed warm with wine, flavourings, fruits, &c.,
and then run through the bag.
ISINGLASS.--The best isinglass is brought from Russia; some of an inferior kind is brought from North and South America and the East Indies: the several varieties may be had from the wholesale dealers in isinglass in London. In choosing isinglass for domestic use, select that which is whitest, has no unpleasant odour, and which dissolves most readily in water. The inferior kinds are used for fining beer, and similar purposes. Isinglass is much adulterated: to test its purity, take a few threads of the substance, drop some into boiling water, some into cold water, and some into vinegar. In the boiling water the isinglass will dissolve, in cold water it will become white and "cloudy," and in vinegar it will swell and become jelly-like. If the isinglass is adulterated with gelatine (that is to say, the commoner sorts of gelatine,--for isinglass is classed amongst gelatines, of all which varieties it is the very purest and best), in boiling water the gelatine will not so completely dissolve as the isinglass; in cold water it becomes clear and jelly-like; and in vinegar it will harden.
HOW TO MOULD BOTTLED JELLIES.
1414. Uncork the bottle; place it in a saucepan of hot water until the jelly is reduced to a liquid state; taste it, to ascertain whether it is sufficiently flavoured, and if not, add a little wine. Pour the jelly into moulds which have been soaked in water; let it set, and turn it out by placing the mould in hot water for a minute; then wipe the outside, put a dish on the top, and turn it over quickly. The jelly should then slip easily away from the mould, and be quite firm. It may be garnished as taste dictates.
TO CLARIFY SYRUP FOR JELLIES.
1415. INGREDIENTS.--To every quart of water
allow 2 lbs. of loaf sugar; the white of 1 egg.
Mode.--Put the sugar and water into a stewpan;
set it on the fire, and, when the sugar is dissolved, add the white of the egg,
whipped up with a little water. Whisk the whole well together, and simmer very
gently until it has thrown up all the scum. Take this off as it rises, strain
the syrup through a fine sieve or cloth into a basin, and keep it for use.
CALF'S-FEET JELLY.
1416. INGREDIENTS.--1 quart of calf's-feet
stock No. 1411, 1/2 lb. of sugar, 1/2 pint of sherry, 1 glass of brandy, the
shells and whites of 5 eggs, the rind and juice of 2 lemons, 1/2 oz. of
isinglass.
Mode.--Prepare the stock as directed in recipe
No. 1411, taking care to leave the sediment, and to remove all the fat from the
surface. Put it into a saucepan, cold, without clarifying it; add the remaining
ingredients, and stir them well together before the saucepan is placed on the
fire. Then simmer the mixture gently for 1/4 hour, but do not stir it after
it begins to warm. Throw in a teacupful of cold water, boil for another 5
minutes, and keep the saucepan covered by the side of the fire for about 1/2
hour, but do not let it boil again. In simmering, the head or scum may be
carefully removed as it rises; but particular attention must be given to the
jelly, that it be not stirred in the slightest degree after it is heated. The
isinglass should be added when the jelly begins to boil: this assists to clear
it, and makes it firmer for turning out. Wring out a jelly-bag in hot water;
fasten it on to a stand, or the back of a chair; place it near the fire with a
basin underneath it, and run the jelly through it. Should it not be perfectly
clear the first time, repeat the process until the desired brilliancy is
obtained. Soak the moulds in water, drain them for half a second, pour in the
jelly, and put it in a cool place to set. If ice is at hand, surround the moulds
with it, and the jelly will set sooner, and be firmer when turned out. In summer
it is necessary to have ice in which to put the moulds, or the cook will be,
very likely, disappointed, by her jellies being in too liquid a state to turn
out properly, unless a great deal of isinglass is used. When wanted for table,
dip the moulds in hot water for a minute, wipe the outside with a cloth, lay a
dish on the top of the mould, turn it quickly over, and the jelly should slip
out easily. It is sometimes served broken into square lumps, and piled high in
glasses. Earthenware moulds are preferable to those of pewter or tin, for red
jellies, the colour and transparency of the composition being often spoiled by
using the latter.
To make this jelly more economically, raisin wine may be
substituted for the sherry and brandy, and the stock made from cow-heels,
instead of calf's feet.
Time.--20 minutes to simmer the jelly, 1/2 hour
to stand covered.
Average cost, reckoning the feet at 6d. each, 3s.
6d.
Sufficient to fill two 1-1/2-pint moulds. Seasonable
at any time.
Note.--As lemon-juice, unless carefully
strained, is liable to make the jelly muddy, see that it is clear before it is
added to the other ingredients. Omit the brandy when the flavour is objected to.
SHERRY.--There are several kinds of sherry, as pale and
brown, and there are various degrees of each. Sherry is, in general, of an
amber-colour, and, when good, has a fine aromatic odour, with something of the
agreeable bitterness of the peach kernel. When new, it is harsh and fiery, and
requires to be mellowed in the wood for four or five years. Sherry has of late
got much into fashion in England, from the idea that it is more free from acid
than other wines; but some careful experiments on wines do not fully confirm
this opinion.
CANNELONS, or FRIED PUFFS.
(Sweet Entremets.)
1417. INGREDIENTS.--1/2 lb. of puff-paste No.
1205; apricot, or any kind of preserve that may be preferred; hot lard.
Mode.--Cannelons which are made of puff-paste
rolled very thin, with jam inclosed, and cut out in long narrow rolls or puffs,
make a very pretty and elegant dish. Make some good puff-paste, by recipe No.
1205; roll it out very thin, and cut it into pieces of an equal size, about 2
inches wide and 8 inches long; place upon each piece a spoonful of jam, wet the
edges with the white of egg, and fold the paste over twice; slightly
press the edges together, that the jam may not escape in the frying; and when
all are prepared, fry them in boiling lard until of a nice brown, letting them
remain by the side of the fire after they are coloured, that the paste may be
thoroughly done. Drain them before the fire, dish on a d'oyley, sprinkle over
them sifted sugar, and serve. These cannelons are very delicious made with fresh
instead of preserved fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or currants: it
should be laid in the paste, plenty of pounded sugar sprinkled over, and folded
and fried in the same manner as stated above.
Time.--About 10 minutes. Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient,--1/2 lb. of paste for a
moderate-sized dish of cannelons.
Seasonable, with jam, at any time.
CHARLOTTE-AUX-POMMES.
1418. INGREDIENTS.--A few slices of rather
stale bread 1/2 inch thick, clarified butter, apple marmalade made by recipe No.
1395, with about 2 dozen apples, 1/2 glass of sherry.
Mode.--Cut a slice of bread the same shape as the
bottom of a plain round mould, which has been well buttered, and a few strips
the height of the mould, and about 1-1/2 inch wide; dip the bread in clarified
butter (or spread it with cold butter, if not wanted quite so rich); place the
round piece at the bottom of the mould, and set the narrow strips up the sides
of it, overlapping each other a little, that no juice from the apples may
escape, and that they may hold firmly to the mould. Brush the interior
over with white of egg (this will assist to make the case firmer); fill it with
apple marmalade made by recipe No. 1395, with the addition of a little sherry,
and cover them with a round piece of bread, also brushed over with egg, the same
as the bottom; slightly press the bread down, to make it adhere to the other
pieces; put a plate on the top, and bake the charlotte in a brisk oven,
of a light colour. Turn it out on the dish, strew sifted sugar over the top, and
pour round it a little melted apricot jam.
Time.--40 to 50 minutes. Average cost, 1s.
9d.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons. Seasonable
from July to March.
AN EASY METHOD OF MAKING A CHARLOTTE-AUX-POMMES.
1419. INGREDIENTS.--1/2 lb. of flour, 1/4 lb.
of butter, 1/4 lb. of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoonful of baking-powder, 1 egg,
milk, 1 glass of raisin-wine, apple marmalade No. 1395, 1/4 pint of cream, 2
dessertspoonfuls of pounded sugar, 2 tablespoonfuls of lemon-juice.
Mode.--Make a cake with the flour, butter, sugar,
and baking-powder; moisten with the egg and sufficient milk to make it the
proper consistency, and bake it in a round tin. When cold, scoop out the middle,
leaving a good thickness all round the sides, to prevent them breaking; take
some of the scooped-out pieces, which should be trimmed into neat slices; lay
them in the cake, and pour over sufficient raisin-wine, with the addition of a
little brandy, if approved, to soak them well. Have ready some apple marmalade,
made by recipe No. 1395; place a layer of this over the soaked cake, then a
layer of cake and a layer of apples; whip the cream to a froth, mixing with it
the sugar and lemon-juice; pile it on the top of the charlotte, and
garnish it with pieces of clear apple jelly. This dish is served cold, but may
be eaten hot, by omitting the cream, and merely garnishing the top with bright
jelly just before it is sent to table.
Time.--1 hour to bake the cake. Average cost,
2s.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons. Seasonable
from July to March.
A VERY SIMPLE APPLE CHARLOTTE.
1420. INGREDIENTS.--9 slices of bread and
butter, about 6 good-sized apples, 1 tablespoonful of minced lemon-peel, 2
tablespoonfuls of juice, moist sugar to taste.
Mode.--Butter a pie-dish; place a layer of bread
and butter, without the crust, at the bottom; then a layer of apples, pared,
cored, and cut into thin slices; sprinkle over these a portion of the lemon-peel
and juice, and sweeten with moist sugar. Place another layer of bread and
butter, and then one of apples, proceeding in this manner until the dish is
full; then cover it up with the peel of the apples, to preserve the top from
browning or burning; bake in a brisk oven for rather more than 3/4 hour; torn
the charlotte on a dish, sprinkle sifted sugar over, and serve.
Time.--3/4 hour. Average cost, 9d.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons. Seasonable
from July to March.
CHARLOTTE RUSSE.
(An Elegant Sweet Entremets.)
1421. INGREDIENTS.--About 18 Savoy biscuits,
3/4 pint of cream, flavouring of vanilla, liqueurs, or wine, 1 tablespoonful of
pounded sugar, 1/2 oz. of isinglass.
Mode.--Procure about 18 Savoy biscuits, or
ladies'-fingers, as they are sometimes called; brush the edges of them with the
white of an egg, and line the bottom of a plain round mould, placing them like a
star or rosette. Stand them upright all round the edge; carefully put them so
closely together that the white of the egg connects them firmly, and place this
case in the oven for about 5 minutes, just to dry the egg. Whisk the cream to a
stiff froth, with the sugar, flavouring, and melted isinglass; fill the
charlotte with it, cover with a slice of sponge-cake cut in the shape of the
mould; place it in ice, where let it remain till ready for table; then turn it
on a dish, remove the mould, and serve. 1 tablespoonful of liqueur of any kind,
or 4 tablespoonfuls of wine, would nicely flavour the above proportion of cream.
For arranging the biscuits in the mould, cut them to the shape required, so that
they fit in nicely, and level them with the mould at the top, that, when turned
out, there may be something firm to rest upon. Great care and attention is
required in the turning out of this dish, that the cream does not burst the
case; and the edges of the biscuits must have the smallest quantity of egg
brushed over them, or it would stick to the mould, and so prevent the charlotte
from coming away properly.
Time.--5 minutes in the oven.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, 2s.
Sufficient for 1 charlotte. Seasonable at
any time.
CREAM A LA VALOIS.
1422. INGREDIENTS.--4 sponge-cakes, jam, 3/4
pint of cream, sugar to taste, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/4 glass of sherry,
1-1/4 oz. of isinglass.
Mode.--Cut the sponge-cakes into thin slices;
place two together, with preserve between them, and pour over them a small
quantity of sherry mixed with a little brandy. Sweeten and flavour the cream
with the lemon-juice and sherry; add the isinglass, which should be dissolved in
a little water, and beat up the cream well. Place a little in an oiled mould;
arrange the pieces of cake in the cream; then fill the mould with the remainder;
let it cool, and turn it out on a dish. By oiling the mould, the cream will have
a much smoother appearance, and will turn out more easily than when merely
dipped in cold water.
Average cost, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill a 1-1/2 pint mould. Seasonable
at any time.
BOILED CUSTARDS.
1423. INGREDIENTS.--1 pint of milk, 5 eggs, 3
oz. of loaf sugar, 3 laurel-leaves, or the rind of 4 lemon, or a few drops of
essence of vanilla, 1 tablespoonful of brandy.
Mode.--Put the milk into a lined saucepan, with
the sugar, and whichever of the above flavourings may be preferred (the
lemon-rind flavours custards most deliciously), and let the milk steep by the
side of the fire until it is well flavoured. Bring it to the point of boiling,
then strain it into a basin; whisk the eggs well, and, when the milk has cooled
a little, stir in the eggs, and strain this mixture into a jug. Place
this jug in a saucepan of boiling water over the fire; keep stirring the custard
one way until it thickens; but on no account allow it to reach the
boiling-point, as it will instantly curdle and be full of lumps. Take it off the
fire, stir in the brandy, and, when this is well mixed with the custard, pour it
into glasses, which should be rather more than three-parts full; grate a little
nutmeg over the top, and the dish is ready for table. To make custards look and
eat better, ducks' eggs should be used, when obtainable; they add very much to
the flavour and richness, and so many are not required as of the ordinary eggs,
4 ducks' eggs to the pint of milk making a delicious custard. When desired
extremely rich and good, cream should be substituted for the milk, and double
the quantity of eggs used, to those mentioned, omitting the whites.
Time. 1/2 hour to infuse the lemon-rind, about 10
minutes to stir the custard. Average cost, 8d.
Sufficient to fill 8 custard-glasses. Seasonable
at any time.
GINGER APPLES.
(A pretty Supper or Dessert Dish.)
1424. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 oz. of whole ginger,
1/4 pint of whiskey, 3 lbs. of apples, 2 lbs. of white sugar, the juice of 2
lemons.
Mode.--Bruise the ginger, put it into a small
jar, pour over sufficient whiskey to cover it, and let it remain for 3 days;
then cut the apples into thin slices, after paring and coring them; add the
sugar and the lemon-juice, which should he strained; and simmer all together very
gently until the apples are transparent, but not broken. Serve cold, and
garnish the dish with slices of candied lemon-peel or preserved ginger.
Time.--3 days to soak the ginger; about 3/4 hour
to simmer the apples very gently.
Average cost, 2s, 6d.
Sufficient for 3 dishes. Seasonable from
July to March.
FRENCH PANCAKES.
1425. INGREDIENTS.--2 eggs, 2 oz. of butter, 2
oz. of sifted sugar, 2 oz. of flour, 1/2 pint of new milk.
Mode.--Beat the eggs thoroughly, and put them
into a basin with the butter, which should be beaten to a cream; stir in the
sugar and flour, and when these ingredients are well mixed, add the milk; keep
stirring and beating the mixture for a few minutes; put it on buttered plates,
and bake in a quick oven for 20 minutes. Serve with a cut lemon and sifted
sugar, or pile the pancakes high on a dish, with a layer of preserve or
marmalade between each.
Time.--20 minutes. Average cost, 7d.
Sufficient for 3 or 4 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
DUTCH FLUMMERY.
1426. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 oz. of isinglass,
the rind and juice of 1 lemon, 1 pint of water, 4 eggs, 1 pint of sherry,
Madeira, or raisin-wine; sifted sugar to taste.
Mode.--Put the water, isinglass, and lemon-rind
into a lined saucepan, and simmer gently until the isinglass is dissolved;
strain this into a basin, stir in the eggs, which should be well beaten, the
lemon-juice, which should be strained, and the wine; sweeten to taste with
pounded sugar, mix all well together, pour it into a jug, set this jug in a
saucepan of boiling water over the fire, and keep stirring it one way until it
thickens; but take care that it does not boil. Strain it into a mould
that has been oiled or laid in water for a short time, and put it in a cool
place to set. A tablespoonful of brandy stirred in just before it is poured into
the mould, improves the flavour of this dish: it is better if made the day
before it is required for table.
Time.--1/4 hour to simmer the isinglass; about
1/4 hour to stir the mixture over the fire.
Average cost, 4s. 6d., if made with sherry; less
with raisin-wine.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
PALE SHERRIES are made from the same grapes as brown. The latter are coloured by an addition of some cheap must, or wine which has been boiled till it has acquired a deep-brown tint. Pale sherries were, some time ago, preferred in England, being supposed most pure; but the brown are preferred by many people. The inferior sherries exported to England are often mixed with a cheap and light wine called Moguer, and are strengthened in the making by brandy; but too frequently they are adulterated by the London dealers.
CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE.
1427. INGREDIENTS.--4 eggs, 3 teaspoonfuls of
pounded sugar, 1 teaspoonful of flour, 3 oz. of the best chocolate.
Mode.--Break the eggs, separating the whites from
the yolks, and put them into different basins; add to the yolks the sugar,
flour, and chocolate, which should be very finely grated, and stir these
ingredients for 5 minutes. Then well whisk the whites of the eggs in the other
basin, until they are stiff, and, when firm, mix lightly with the yolks, till
the whole forms a smooth and light substance; butter a round cake-tin, put in
the mixture, and bake in a moderate oven from 15 to 20 minutes. Pin a white
napkin round the tin, strew sifted sugar over the top of the soufflé, and send
it immediately to table. The proper appearance of this dish depends entirely on
the expedition with which it is served, and some cooks, to preserve its
lightness, hold a salamander over the soufflé until it is placed on the table.
If allowed to stand after it comes from the oven, it will be entirely spoiled,
as it falls almost immediately.
Time.--15 to 20 minutes. Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient for a moderate-sized soufflé. Seasonable
at any time.
DARIOLES A LA VANILLE.
(Sweet Entremets.)
1428. INGREDIENTS.--1/2 pint of milk, 1/2 pint
of cream, 2 oz. of flour, 3 oz. of pounded sugar, 6 eggs, 2 oz. of butter,
puff-paste, flavouring of essence of vanilla.
Mode.--Mix the flour to a smooth batter, with the
milk; stir in the cream, sugar, the eggs, which should be well whisked, and the
butter, which should be beaten to a cream. Put in some essence of vanilla, drop
by drop, until the mixture is well flavoured; line some dariole-moulds with
puff-paste, three-parts fill them with the batter, and bake in a good oven from
25 to 35 minutes. Turn them out of the moulds on a dish, without breaking them;
strew over sifted sugar, and serve. The flavouring of the darioles may be varied
by substituting lemon, cinnamon, or almonds, for the vanilla.
Time.--25 to 35 minutes. Average cost, 1s.
8d.
Sufficient to fill 6 or 7 dariole-moulds. Seasonable
at any time.
CURRANT FRITTERS.
1429. INGREDIENTS.--1/2 pint of milk, 2
tablespoonfuls of flour, 4 eggs, 3 tablespoonfuls of boiled rice, 3
tablespoonfuls of currants, sugar to taste, a very little grated nutmeg, hot
lard or clarified dripping.
Mode.--Put the milk into a basin with the flour,
which should previously be rubbed to a smooth batter with a little cold milk;
stir these ingredients together; add the well-whisked eggs, the rice, currants,
sugar, and nutmeg. Beat the mixture for a few minutes, and, if not sufficiently
thick, add a little more boiled rice; drop it, in small quantities, into a pan
of boiling lard or clarified dripping; fry the fritters a nice brown, and, when
done, drain them on a piece of blotting-paper, before the fire. Pile them on a
white d'oyley, strew over sifted sugar, and serve them very hot. Send a cut
lemon to table with them.
Time.--From 8 to 10 minutes to fry the fritters.
Average cost, 9d.
Sufficient for 3 or 4 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
CHOCOLATE CREAM.
1430. INGREDIENTS.--3 oz. of grated chocolate,
1/4 lb. of sugar, 1-1/2 pint of cream, 1/2 oz. of clarified isinglass, the yolks
of 6 eggs.
Mode.--Beat the yolks of the eggs well; put them
into a basin with the grated chocolate, the sugar, and 1 pint of the cream; stir
these ingredients well together, pour them into a jug, and set this jug in a
saucepan of boiling water; stir it one way until the mixture thickens, but do
not allow it to boil, or it will curdle. Strain the cream through a sieve
into a basin; stir in the isinglass and the other 1/2 pint of cream, which
should be well whipped; mix all well together, and pour it into a mould which
has been previously oiled with the purest salad-oil, and, if at hand, set it in
ice until wanted for table.
Time.--About 10 minutes to stir the mixture over
the fire.
Average cost, 4s. 6d, with cream at 1s. per pint.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
GENEVA WAFERS.
1431. INGREDIENTS.--2 eggs, 3 oz. of butter, 3
oz. of flour, 3 oz. of pounded sugar.
Mode.--Well whisk the eggs; put them into a
basin, and stir to them the butter, which should be beaten to a cream; add the
flour and sifted sugar gradually, and then mix all well together. Butter a
baking-sheet, and drop on it a teaspoonful of the mixture at a time, leaving a
space between each. Bake in a cool oven; watch the pieces of paste, and, when
half done, roll them up like wafers, and put in a small wedge of bread or piece
of wood, to keep them in shape. Return them to the oven until crisp. Before
serving, remove the bread, put a spoonful of preserve in the widest end, and
fill up with whipped cream. This is a very pretty and ornamental dish for the
supper-table, and is very nice and very easily made.
Time.--Altogether 20 to 25 minutes.
Average cost, exclusive of the preserve and
cream, 7d.
Sufficient for a nice-sized dish. Seasonable
at any time.
GINGER CREAM.
1432. INGREDIENTS.--The yolks of 4 eggs, 1
pint of cream, 3 oz. of preserved ginger, 2 dessertspoonfuls of syrup, sifted
sugar to taste, 1 oz. of isinglass.
Mode.--Slice the ginger finely; put it into a
basin with the syrup, the well-beaten yolks of eggs, and the cream; mix these
ingredients well together, and stir them over the fire for about 10 minutes, or
until the mixture thickens; then take it off the fire, whisk till nearly cold,
sweeten to taste, add the isinglass, which should be melted and strained, and
serve the cream in a glass dish. It may be garnished with slices of preserved
ginger or candied citron.
Time.--About 10 minutes to stir the cream over
the fire.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient for a good-sized dish. Seasonable
at any time.
PRESERVED GINGER comes to us from the West Indies. It is made by scalding the roots when they are green and full of sap, then peeling them in cold water, and putting them into jars, with a rich syrup; in which state we receive them. It should be chosen of a bright-yellow colour, with a little transparency: what is dark-coloured, fibrous, and stringy, is not good. Ginger roots, fit for preserving, and in size equal to West Indian, have been produced in the Royal Agricultural Garden in Edinburgh.
TO MAKE GOOSEBERRY FOOL.
1433. INGREDIENTS.--Green gooseberries; to
every pint of pulp add 1 pint of milk, or 1/2 pint of cream and 1/2 pint of
milk; sugar to taste.
Mode.--Cut the tops and tails off the
gooseberries; put them into a jar, with 2 tablespoonfuls of water and a little
good moist sugar; set this jar in a saucepan of boiling water, and let it boil
until the fruit is soft enough to mash. When done enough, beat it to a pulp,
work this pulp through a colander, and stir to every pint the above proportion
of milk, or equal quantities of milk and cream. Ascertain if the mixture is
sweet enough, and put in plenty of sugar, or it will not be eatable; and in
mixing the milk and gooseberries, add the former very gradually to these: serve
in a glass dish, or in small glasses. This, although a very old-fashioned and
homely dish, is, when well made, very delicious, and, if properly sweetened, a
very suitable preparation for children.
Time.--From 3/4 to 1 hour. Average cost,
6d. per pint, with milk.
Sufficient.--A pint of milk and a pint of
gooseberry pulp for 5 or 6 children.
Seasonable in May and June.
GOOSEBERRY TRIFLE.
1434. INGREDIENTS.--1 quart of gooseberries,
sugar to taste, 1 pint of custard No. 1423, a plateful of whipped cream.
Mode.--Put the gooseberries into a jar, with
sufficient moist sugar to sweeten them, and boil them until reduced to a pulp.
Put this pulp at the bottom of a trifle-dish; pour over it a pint of custard
made by recipe No. 1423, and, when cold, cover with whipped cream. The cream
should be whipped the day before it is wanted for table, as it will then be so
much firmer and more solid. The dish may be garnished as fancy dictates.
Time.--About 3/4 hour to boil the gooseberries.
Average cost, 1s. 6d.
Sufficient for 1 trifle. Seasonable in May
and June.
INDIAN FRITTERS.
1435. INGREDIENTS.--3 tablespoonfuls of flour,
boiling water, the yolks of 4 eggs, the whites of 2, hot lard or clarified
dripping, jam.
Mode.--Put the flour into a basin, and pour over
it sufficient boiling water to make it into a stiff paste, taking care to
stir and beat it well, to prevent it getting lumpy. Leave it a little time to
cool, and then break into it (without beating them at first) the yolks of
4 eggs and the whites of 2, and stir and beat all well together. Have ready some
boiling lard or butter; drop a dessertspoonful of batter in at a time, and fry
the fritters of a light brown. They should rise so much as to be almost like
balls. Serve on a dish, with a spoonful of preserve or marmalade dropped in
between each fritter. This is an excellent dish for a hasty addition to dinner,
if a guest unexpectedly arrives, it being so easily and quickly made, and it is
always a great favourite.
Time.--From 5 to 8 minutes to fry the fritters.
Average cost, exclusive of the jam, 5d.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
INDIAN TRIFLE.
1436. INGREDIENTS.--1 quart of milk, the rind
of 1/2 large lemon, sugar to taste, 5 heaped tablespoonfuls of rice-flour, 1 oz.
of sweet almonds, 1/2 pint of custard.
Mode.--Boil the milk and lemon-rind together
until the former is well flavoured; take out the lemon-rind and stir in the
rice-flour, which should first be moistened with cold milk, and add sufficient
loaf sugar to sweeten it nicely. Boil gently for about 5 minutes, and keep the
mixture stirred; take it off the fire, let it cool a little, and pour it
into a glass dish. When cold, cut the rice out in the form of a star, or any
other shape that may be preferred; take out the spare rice, and fill the space
with boiled custard. Blanch and cut the almonds into strips; stick them over the
trifle, and garnish it with pieces of brightly-coloured jelly, or preserved
fruits, or candied citron.
Time.--1/4 hour to simmer the milk, 5 minutes
after the rice is added.
Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient for 1 trifle.
Seasonable at any time.
THE CITRON.--The citron belongs to the same species as
the lemon, being considered only as a variety, the distinction between them not
being very great. It is larger, and is less succulent, but more acid: with a
little artificial heat, the citron comes to as great perfection in England as in
Spain and Italy. The fruit is oblong and about five or six inches in length. The
tree is thorny. The juice forms an excellent lemonade with sugar and water; its
uses in punch, negus, and in medicine, are well known. The rind is very thick,
and, when candied with sugar, forms an excellent sweetmeat. There are several
varieties cultivated in England, one of which is termed the Forbidden Fruit.
ITALIAN CREAM.
1437. INGREDIENTS.--1 pint of milk, 4 pint of
cream, sugar to taste, 1 oz. of isinglass, 1 lemon, the yolks of 4 eggs.
Mode.--Put the cream and milk into a saucepan,
with sugar to sweeten, and the lemon-rind. Boil until the milk is well flavoured
then strain it into a basin, and add the beaten yolks of eggs. Put this mixture
into a jug; place the jug in a saucepan of boiling water over the fire, and stir
the contents until they thicken, but do not allow them to boil. Take the cream
off the fire, stir in the lemon-juice and isinglass, which should be melted, and
whip well; fill a mould, place it in ice if at hand, and, when set, turn it out
on a dish, and garnish as taste may dictate. The mixture may be whipped and
drained, and then put into small glasses, when this mode of serving is
preferred.
Time.--From 5 to 8 minutes to stir the mixture in
the jug.
Average cost, with the best isinglass, 2s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill 1-1/2-pint mould. Seasonable
at any time.
THE HIDDEN MOUNTAIN.
(A pretty Supper Dish.)
1438. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, a few slices of
citron, sugar to taste, 1/4 pint of cream, a layer of any kind of jam.
Mode.--Beat the whites and yolks of the eggs
separately; then mix them and beat well again, adding a few thin slices of
citron, the cream, and sufficient pounded sugar to sweeten it nicely. When the
mixture is well beaten, put it into a buttered pan, and fry the same as a
pancake; but it should be three times the thickness of an ordinary pancake.
Cover it with jam, and garnish with slices of citron and holly-leaves. This dish
is served cold.
Time.--About 10 minutes to fry the mixture.
Average cost, with the jam, 1s. 4d.
Sufficient for 3 or 4 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
JAUNEMANGE.
1439. INGREDIENTS.--1 oz. of isinglass, 1 pint
of water, 1/2 pint of white wine, the rind and juice of 1 large lemon, sugar to
taste, the yolks of 6 eggs.
Mode.--Put the isinglass, water, and lemon-rind
into a saucepan, and boil gently until the former is dissolved; then add the
strained lemon-juice, the wine, and sufficient white sugar to sweeten the whole
nicely. Boil for 2 or 3 minutes, strain the mixture into a jug, and add the
yolks of the eggs, which should be well beaten; place the jug in a saucepan of
boiling water; keep stirring the mixture one way until it thickens, but
do not allow it to boil; then take it off the fire, and keep stirring until
nearly cold. Pour it into a mould, omitting the sediment at the bottom of the
jug, and let it remain until quite firm.
Time.--1/4 hour to boil the isinglass and water;
about 10 minutes to stir the mixture in the jug.
Average cost, with the best isinglass, 2s. 9d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
JELLY MOULDED WITH FRESH FRUIT, or MACEDOINE DE FRUITS.
1440. INGREDIENTS.--Rather more than 1-1/2
pint of jelly, a few nice strawberries, or red or white currants, or
raspberries, or any fresh fruit that may be in season.
Mode.--Have ready the above proportion of jelly,
which must be very clear and rather sweet, the raw fruit requiring an additional
quantity of sugar. Select ripe, nice-looking fruit; pick off the stalks, unless
currants are used, when they are laid in the jelly as they come from the tree.
Begin by putting a little jelly at the bottom of the mould, which must harden;
then arrange the fruit round the sides of the mould, recollecting; that it
will be reversed when turned out; then pour in some more jelly to make the
fruit adhere, and, when that layer is set, put another row of fruit and jelly
until the mould is full. If convenient, put it in ice until required for table,
then wring a cloth in boiling water, wrap it round the mould for a minute, and
turn the jelly carefully out. Peaches, apricots, plums, apples, &c., are
better for being boiled in a little clear syrup before they are laid in the
jelly; strawberries, raspberries, grapes, cherries, and currants are put in raw.
In winter, when fresh fruits are not obtainable, a very pretty jelly may be made
with preserved fruits or brandy cherries: these, in a bright and clear jelly,
have a very pretty effect; of course, unless the jelly be very clear, the
beauty of the dish will be spoiled. It may be garnished with the same fruit as
is laid in the jelly; for instance, an open jelly with strawberries might have,
piled in the centre, a few of the same fruit prettily arranged, or a little
whipped cream might be substituted for the fruit.
Time.--One layer of jelly should remain 2 hours
in a very cool place, before another layer is added. Average cost, 2s.
6d.
Sufficient, with fruit, to fill a quart mould.
Seasonable, with fresh fruit, from June to
October; with dried, at any time.
JELLY OF TWO COLOURS.
1441. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 pint of calf's-feet
jelly No. 1416, a few drops of prepared cochineal.
Mode.--Make 1-1/2 pint of jelly by recipe No.
1416, or, if wished more economical, of clarified syrup and gelatine, flavouring
it in any way that may be preferred. Colour one-half of the jelly with a few
drops of prepared cochineal, and the other half leave as pale as possible. Have
ready a mould well wetted in every part; pour in a small quantity of the red
jelly, and let this set; when quite firm, pour on it the same quantity of the
pale jelly, and let this set; then proceed in this manner until the mould is
full, always taking care to let one jelly set before the other is poured in, or
the colours would run one into the other. When turned out, the jelly should have
a striped appearance. For variety, half the mould may be filled at once with one
of the jellies, and, when firm, filled up with the other: this, also, has a very
pretty effect, and is more expeditiously prepared than when the jelly is poured
in small quantities into the mould. Blancmange and red jelly, or blancmange and
raspberry cream, moulded in the above manner, look very well. The layers of
blancmange and jelly should be about an inch in depth, and each layer should be
perfectly hardened before another is added. Half a mould of blancmange and half
a mould of jelly are frequently served in the same manner. A few pretty dishes
may be made, in this way, of jellies or blancmanges left from the preceding day,
by melting them separately in a jug placed in a saucepan of boiling water, and
then moulding them by the foregoing directions. (See coloured plate S1.)
Time.--3/4 hour to make the jelly.
Average cost, with calf's-feet jelly, 2s.; with
gelatine and syrup, more economical.
Sufficient to fill 1-1/2 pint mould. Seasonable
at any time.
Note.--In making the jelly, use for flavouring a
very pale sherry, or the colour will be too dark to contrast nicely with the red
jelly.
LEMON BLANCMANGE.
1442. INGREDIENTS.--1 quart of milk, the yolks
of 4 eggs, 3 oz. of ground rice, 6 oz. of pounded sugar, 1-1/2 oz. of fresh
butter, the rind of 1 lemon, the juice of 2, 1/2 oz. of gelatine.
Mode.--Make a custard with the yolks of the eggs
and 1/2 pint of the milk, and, when done, put it into a basin: put half the
remainder of the milk into a saucepan with the ground rice, fresh butter,
lemon-rind, and 3 oz. of the sugar, and let these ingredients boil until the
mixture is stiff, stirring them continually; when done, pour it into the bowl
where the custard is, mixing both well together. Put the gelatine with the rest
of the milk into a saucepan, and let it stand by the side of the fire to
dissolve; boil for a minute or two, stir carefully into the basin, adding 3 oz.
more of pounded sugar. When cold, stir in the lemon-juice, which should be
carefully strained, and pour the mixture into a well-oiled mould, leaving out
the lemon-peel, and set the mould in a pan of cold water until wanted for table.
Use eggs that have rich-looking yolks; and, should the weather be very warm,
rather a larger proportion of gelatine must be allowed.
Time.--Altogether, 1 hour. Average cost,
1s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill 2 small moulds. Seasonable
at any time.
LEMON CREAM.
1443. INGREDIENTS.--1 pint of cream, the yolks
of 2 eggs, 1/4 lb. of white sugar, 1 large lemon, 1 oz. of isinglass.
Mode.--Put the cream into a lined saucepan
with the sugar, lemon-peel, and isinglass, and simmer these over a gentle fire
for about 10 minutes, stirring them all the time. Strain the cream into a jug,
add the yolks of eggs, which should be well beaten, and put the jug into a
saucepan of boiling water; stir the mixture one way until it thickens, but do
not allow it to boil; take it off the fire, and keep stirring it until
nearly cold. Strain the lemon-juice into a basin, gradually pour on it the
cream, and stir it well until the juice is well mixed with it. Have ready
a well-oiled mould, pour the cream into it, and let it remain until perfectly
set. When required for table, loosen the edges with a small blunt knife, put a
dish on the top of the mould, turn it over quickly, and the cream should easily
slip away.
Time.--10 minutes to boil the cream; about 10
minutes to stir it over the fire in the jug.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, and the
best isinglass, 2s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill 1-1/2-pint mould. Seasonable
at any time.
ECONOMICAL LEMON CREAM.
1444. INGREDIENTS.--1 quart of milk, 8 bitter
almonds, 2 oz. of gelatine, 2 large lemons, 3/4 lb. of lump sugar, the yolks of
6 eggs.
Mode.--Put the milk into a lined saucepan with
the almonds, which should be well pounded in a mortar, the gelatine, lemon-rind,
and lump sugar, and boil these ingredients for about 5 minutes. Beat up the
yolks of the eggs, strain the milk into a jug, add the eggs, and pour the
mixture backwards and forwards a few times, until nearly cold; then stir briskly
to it the lemon-juice, which should be strained, and keep stirring until the
cream is almost cold: put it into an oiled mould, and let it remain until
perfectly set. The lemon-juice must not be added to the cream when it is warm,
and should be well stirred after it is put in.
Time.--5 minutes to boil the milk. Average
cost, 2s. 5d.
Sufficient to fill two 1-1/2-pint moulds. Seasonable
at any time.
LEMON CREAMS.
(Very good.)
1445. INGREDIENTS.--1 pint of cream, 2 dozen
sweet almonds, 3 glasses of sherry, the rind and juice of 2 lemons, sugar to
taste.
Mode.--Blanch and chop the almonds, and put them
into a jug with the cream; in another jug put the sherry, lemon-rind, strained
juice, and sufficient pounded sugar to sweeten the whole nicely. Pour rapidly
from one jug to the other till the mixture is well frothed; then, pour it into
jelly-glasses, omitting the lemon-rind. This is a very cool and delicious sweet
for summer, and may be made less rich by omitting the almonds and substituting
orange or raisin wine for the sherry.
Time.--Altogether, 1/2 hour.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, 3s.
Sufficient to fill 12 glasses. Seasonable
at any time.
LEMON CREAMS OF CUSTARDS.
1446. INGREDIENTS.--5 oz. of loaf sugar, 2
pints of boiling water, the rind of 1 lemon and the juice of 3, the yolks of 8
eggs.
Mode.--Make a quart of lemonade in the following
manner:--Dissolve the sugar in the boiling water, having previously, with part
of the sugar, rubbed off the lemon-rind, and add the strained juice. Strain the
lemonade into a saucepan, and add the yolks of the eggs, which should be well
beaten; stir this one way over the fire until the mixture thickens, but
do not allow it to boil, and serve in custard-glasses, or on a glass dish. After
the boiling water is poured on the sugar and lemon, it should stand covered for
about 1/2 hour before the eggs are added to it, that the flavour of the rind may
be extracted.
Time.--1/2 hour to make the lemonade; about 10
minutes to stir the custard over the fire.
Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient to fill 12 to 14 custard-glasses. Seasonable
at any time.
LEMON JELLY.
1447. INGREDIENTS.--6 lemons, 3/4 lb. of lump
sugar, 1 pint of water, 1-1/2 oz. of isinglass, 1/4 pint of sherry.
Mode.--Peel 3 of the lemons, pour 1/2 pint of
boiling water on the rind, and let it infuse for 1/2 hour; put the sugar,
isinglass, and 1/2 pint of water into a lined saucepan, and boil these
ingredients for 20 minutes; then put in the strained lemon-juice, the strained
infusion of the rind, and bring the whole to the point of boiling; skim well,
add the wine, and run the jelly through a bag; pour it into a mould that has
been wetted or soaked in water; put it in ice, if convenient, where let it
remain until required for table. Previously to adding the lemon-juice to the
other ingredients, ascertain that it is very nicely strained, as, if this is not
properly attended to, it is liable to make the jelly thick and muddy. As this
jelly is very pale, and almost colourless, it answers very well for moulding
with a jelly of any bright hue; for instance, half a jelly bright red, and the
other half made of the above, would have a very good effect. Lemon jelly may
also be made with calf's-feet stock, allowing the juice of 3 lemons to every
pint of stock.
Time.--Altogether, 1 hour.
Average cost, with the best isinglass, 2s. 9d.
Sufficient to fill 1-1/2-pint mould. Seasonable
at any time.
LEMON SPONGE.
1448. INGREDIENTS.--2 oz. of isinglass, 1-3/4
pint of water, 3/4 lb. of pounded sugar, the juice of 5 lemons, the rind of 1,
the whites of 3 eggs.
Mode.--Dissolve the isinglass in the water,
strain it into a saucepan, and add the sugar, lemon-rind, and juice. Boil the
whole from 10 to 15 minutes; strain it again, and let it stand till it is cold
and begins to stiffen. Beat the whites of the eggs, put them to it, and whisk
the mixture till it is quite white; put it into a mould which has been
previously wetted, and let it remain until perfectly set; then turn it out, and
garnish it according to taste.
Time.--10 to 15 minutes. Average cost,
with the best isinglass, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
LIQUEUR JELLY.
1449. INGREDIENTS.--1 lb. of lump sugar, 2 oz.
of isinglass, 1-1/2 pint of water, the juice of 2 lemons, 1/4 pint of liqueur.
Mode.--Put the sugar, with 1 pint of the water,
into a stewpan, and boil them gently by the side of the fire until there is no
scum remaining, which must be carefully removed as fast as it rises. Boil the
isinglass with the other 1/2 pint of water, and skim it carefully in the same
manner. Strain the lemon-juice, and add it, with the clarified isinglass, to the
syrup; put in the liqueur, and bring the whole to the boiling-point. Let the
saucepan remain covered by the side of the fire for a few minutes; then pour the
jelly through a bag, put it into a mould, and set the mould in ice until
required for table. Dip the mould in hot water, wipe the outside, loosen the
jelly by passing a knife round the edges, and turn it out carefully on a dish.
Noyeau, Maraschino, Curaçoa, brandy, or any kind of liqueur, answers for this
jelly; and, when made with isinglass, liqueur jellies are usually prepared as
directed above.
Time.--10 minutes to boil the sugar and water.
Average cost, with the best isinglass, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
A SWEET DISH OF MACARONI.
1450. INGREDIENTS.--1/4 lb. of macaroni, 1-1/2
pint of milk, the rind of 1/2 lemon, 3 oz. of lump sugar, 3/4 pint of custard
No. 1423.
Mode.--Put the milk into a saucepan, with the
lemon-peel and sugar; bring it to the boiling-point, drop in the macaroni, and
let it gradually swell over a gentle fire, but do not allow the pipes to break.
The form should be entirely preserved; and, though tender, should be firm, and
not soft, with no part beginning to melt. Should the milk dry away before the
macaroni is sufficiently swelled, add a little more. Make a custard by recipe
No. 1423; place the macaroni on a dish, and pour the custard over the hot
macaroni; grate over it a little nutmeg, and, when cold, garnish the dish with
slices of candied citron.
Time.--From 40 to 50 minutes to swell the
macaroni.
Average cost, with the custard, 1s.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
MERINGUES.
1451. INGREDIENTS.--1/2 lb. of pounded sugar,
the whites of 4 eggs.
Mode.--Whisk the whites of the eggs to a stiff
froth, and, with a wooden spoon, stir in quickly the pounded sugar; and
have some boards thick enough to put in the oven to prevent the bottom of the
meringues from acquiring too much colour. Cut some strips of paper about 2
inches wide; place this paper on the board, and drop a tablespoonful at a time
of the mixture on the paper, taking care to let all the meringues be the same
size. In dropping it from the spoon, give the mixture the form of an egg, and
keep the meringues about 2 inches apart from each other on the paper. Strew over
them some sifted sugar, and bake in a moderate oven for 1/2 hour. As soon as
they begin to colour, remove them from the oven; take each slip of paper by the
two ends, and turn it gently on the table, and, with a small spoon, take out the
soft part of each meringue. Spread some clean paper on the board, turn the
meringues upside down, and put them into the oven to harden and brown on the
other side. When required for table, fill them with whipped cream, flavoured
with liqueur or vanilla, and sweetened with pounded sugar. Join two of the
meringues together, and pile them high in the dish, as shown in the annexed
drawing. To vary their appearance, finely-chopped almonds or currants may be
strewn over them before the sugar is sprinkled over; and they may be garnished
with any bright-coloured preserve. Great expedition is necessary in making this
sweet dish; as, if the meringues are not put into the oven as soon as the sugar
and eggs are mixed, the former melts, and the mixture would run on the paper,
instead of keeping its egg-shape. The sweeter the meringues are made, the
crisper will they be; but, if there is not sufficient sugar mixed with them,
they will most likely be tough. They are sometimes coloured with cochineal; and,
if kept well covered in a dry place, will remain good for a month or six weeks.
Time.--Altogether, about 1/2 hour.
Average cost, with the cream and flavouring, 1s.
Sufficient to make 2 dozen meringues. Seasonable
at any time.
NOYEAU CREAM.
1452. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 oz. of isinglass,
the juice of 2 lemons, noyeau and pounded sugar to taste, 1-1/2 pint of cream.
Mode.--Dissolve the isinglass in a little boiling
water, add the lemon-juice, and strain this to the cream, putting in sufficient
noyeau and sugar to flavour and sweeten the mixture nicely; whisk the cream
well, put it into an oiled mould, and set the mould in ice or in a cool place;
turn it out, and garnish the dish to taste.
Time.--Altogether, 1/2 hour.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint and the
best isinglass, 4s.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
at any time.
OPEN JELLY WITH WHIPPED CREAM.
(A very pretty dish.)
1453. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 pint of jelly, 1/2
pint of cream, 1 glass of sherry, sugar to taste.
Mode.--Make the above proportion of calf's-feet
or isinglass jelly, colouring and flavouring it in any way that may be
preferred; soak a mould, open in the centre, for about 1/2 hour in cold water;
fill it with the jelly, and let it remain in a cool place until perfectly set;
then turn it out on a dish; fill the centre with whipped cream, flavoured with
sherry and sweetened with pounded sugar; pile this cream high in the centre, and
serve. The jelly should be made of rather a dark colour, to contrast nicely with
the cream.
Time.--3/4 hour. Average cost, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill 1-1/2-pint mould. Seasonable
at any time.
ORANGE JELLY.
1454. INGREDIENTS.--1 pint of water, 1-1/2 to
2 oz. of isinglass, 1/2 lb. of loaf sugar, 1 Seville orange, 1 lemon, about 9
China oranges.
Mode.--Put the water into a saucepan, with the
isinglass, sugar, and the rind of 1 orange, and the same of 1/2 lemon, and stir
these over the fire until the isinglass is dissolved, and remove the scum; then
add to this the juice of the Seville orange, the juice of the lemon, and
sufficient juice of China oranges to make in all 1 pint; from 8 to 10 oranges
will yield the desired quantity. Stir all together over the fire until it is
just on the point of boiling; skim well; then strain the jelly through a very
fine sieve or jelly-bag, and when nearly cold, put it into a mould previously
wetted, and, when quite set, turn it out on a dish, and garnish it to taste. To
insure this jelly being clear, the orange-and lemon-juice should be well
strained, and the isinglass clarified, before they are added to the other
ingredients, and, to heighten the colour, a few drops of prepared cochineal may
be added.
Time.--5 minutes to boil without the juice; 1
minute after it is added.
Average cost, with the best isinglass, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould. Seasonable
from November to May.
ORANGE JELLY MOULDED WITH SLICES OF ORANGE.
1455. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 pint of orange jelly
No. 1454, 4 oranges, 1 pint of clarified syrup.
Mode.--Boil 1/2 lb. of loaf sugar with 1/2 pint
of water until there is no scum left (which must be carefully removed as fast as
it rises), and carefully peel the oranges; divide them into thin slices, without
breaking the thin skin, and put these pieces of orange into the syrup, where let
them remain for about 5 minutes; then take them out, and use the syrup for the
jelly, which should be made by recipe No. 1454. When the oranges are well
drained, and the jelly is nearly cold, pour a little of the latter into the
bottom of the mould; then lay in a few pieces of orange; over these pour a
little jelly, and when this is set, place another layer of oranges, proceeding
in this manner until the mould is full. Put it in ice, or in a cool place, and,
before turning it out, wrap a cloth round the mould for a minute or two, which
has been wrung out in boiling water.
Time.--5 minutes to simmer the oranges. Average
cost, 3s. 6d.
Sufficient, with the slices of orange, to fill a
quart mould.
Seasonable from November to May.
TO MAKE A PLAIN OMELET.
1456. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 1 saltspoonful of
salt, 1/3 saltspoonful of pepper, 1/4 lb. of butter.
Mode.--Break the eggs into a basin, omitting the
whites of 3, and beat them up with the salt and pepper until extremely light;
then add 2 oz. of the butter broken into small pieces, and stir this into the
mixture. Put the other 2 oz. of butter into a frying-pan, make it quite hot,
and, as soon as it begins to bubble, whisk the eggs, &c. very briskly for a
minute or two, and pour them into the pan; stir the omelet with a spoon one way
until the mixture thickens and becomes firm, and when the whole is set, fold the
edges over, so that the omelet assumes an oval form; and when it is nicely brown
on one side, and quite firm, it is done. To take off the rawness on the upper
side, hold the pan before the fire for a minute or two, and brown it with a
salamander or hot shovel. Serve very expeditiously on a very hot dish, and never
cook it until it is just wanted. The flavour of this omelet may be very much
enhanced by adding minced parsley, minced onion or eschalot, or grated cheese,
allowing 1 tablespoonful of the former, and half the quantity of the latter, to
the above proportion of eggs. Shrimps or oysters may also be added: the latter
should be scalded in their liquor, and then bearded and cut into small pieces.
In making an omelet, be particularly careful that it is not too thin, and, to
avoid this, do not make it in too large a frying-pan, as the mixture would then
spread too much, and taste of the outside. It should also not be greasy, burnt,
or too much done, and should be cooked over a gentle fire, that the whole of the
substance may be heated without drying up the outside. Omelets are sometimes
served with gravy; but this should never be poured over them, but served
in a tureen, as the liquid causes the omelet to become heavy and flat, instead
of eating light and soft. In making the gravy, the flavour should not overpower
that of the omelet, and should be thickened with arrowroot or rice flour.
Time.--With 6 eggs, in a frying-pan 18 or 20
inches round, 4 to 6 minutes. Average cost, 9d.
Sufficient for 4 persons. Seasonable at
any time.
HAM OMELET (A delicious Breakfast Dish.)
1457. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 4 oz. of butter,
1/2 saltspoonful of pepper, 2 tablespoonfuls of minced ham.
Mode.--Mince the ham very finely, without any
fat, and fry it for 2 minutes in a little butter; then make the batter for the
omelet, stir in the ham, and proceed as directed in recipe No. 1456. Do not add
any salt to the batter, as the ham is usually sufficiently salt to impart a
flavour to the omelet. Good lean bacon, or tongue, answers equally well for this
dish; but they must also be slightly cooked previously to mixing them with the
batter. Serve very hot and quickly, without gravy.
Time.--From 4 to 6 minutes. Average cost,
1s.
Sufficient for 4 persons. Seasonable at
any time.
KIDNEY OMELET (A favourite French dish.)
1458. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 1 saltspoonful of
salt, 1/2 saltspoonful of pepper, 2 sheep's kidneys, or 2 tablespoonfuls of
minced veal kidney, 5 oz. of butter.
Mode.--Skin the kidneys, cut them into small
dice, and toss them in a frying-pan, in 1 oz. of butter, over the fire for 2 or
3 minutes. Mix the ingredients for the omelet the same as in recipe No. 1456,
and when the eggs are well whisked, stir in the pieces of kidney. Make the
butter hot in the frying-pan, and when it bubbles, pour in the omelet, and fry
it over a gentle fire from 4 to 6 minutes. When the eggs are set, fold the edges
over, so that the omelet assumes an oval form, and be careful that it is not too
much done: to brown the top, hold the pan before the fire for a minute or two,
or use a salamander until the desired colour is obtained, but never turn an
omelet in the pan. Slip it carefully on to a very hot dish, or, what is a
much safer method, put a dish on the omelet, and turn the pan quickly over. It
should be served the instant it comes from the fire.
Time.--4 to 6 minutes. Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient for 4 persons. Seasonable at
any time.
TO MAKE A PLAIN SWEET OMELET.
1459. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 4 oz. of butter, 2
oz. of sifted sugar.
Mode.--Break the eggs into a basin, omitting the
whites of 3; whisk them well, adding the sugar and 2 oz. of the butter, which
should be broken into small pieces, and stir all these ingredients well
together. Make the remainder of the butter quite hot in a small frying-pan, and
when it commences to bubble, pour in the eggs, &c. Keep stirring them until
they begin to set; then turn the edges of the omelet over, to make it an oval
shape, and finish cooking it. To brown the top, hold the pan before the fire, or
use a salamander, and turn it carefully on to a very hot dish: sprinkle
sifted sugar over, and serve.
Time.--From 4 to 6 minutes. Average cost,
10d.
Sufficient for 4 persons. Seasonable at
any time.
OMELETTE AUX CONFITURES, or JAM OMELET.
1460. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 4 oz. of butter, 3
tablespoonfuls of apricot, strawberry, or any jam that may be preferred.
Mode.--Make the omelet by recipe No. 1459, only
instead of doubling it over, leave it flat in the pan. When quite firm, and
nicely brown on one side, turn it carefully on to a hot dish, spread over the
middle of it the jam, and fold the omelet over on each side; sprinkle sifted
sugar over, and serve very quickly. A pretty dish of small omelets may be made
by dividing the batter into 3 or 4 portions, and frying them separately; they
should then be spread each one with a different kind of preserve, and the
omelets rolled over. Always sprinkle sweet omelets with sifted sugar before
being sent to table.
Time.--4 to 6 minutes. Average cost, 1s.
2d.
Sufficient for 4 persons. Seasonable at
any time.
OMELETTE SOUFFLÉ.
1461. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 5 oz. of pounded
sugar, flavouring of vanilla, orange-flower water, or lemon-rind, 3 oz. of
butter, 1 dessert-spoonful of rice-flour.
Mode.--Separate the yolks from the whites of the
eggs, add to the former the sugar, the rice-flour, and either of the above
flavourings that may be preferred, and stir these ingredients well together.
Whip the whites of the eggs, mix them lightly with the batter, and put the
butter into a small frying-pan. As soon as it begins to bubble, pour the batter
into it, and set the pan over a bright but gentle fire; and when the omelet is
set, turn the edges over to make it an oval shape, and slip it on to a silver
dish, which has been previously well buttered. Put it in the oven, and bake from
12 to 15 minutes; sprinkle finely-powdered sugar over the soufflé, and serve
it immediately.
Time.--About 4 minutes in the pan; to bake, from
12 to 15 minutes.
Average cost. 1s.
Sufficient for 3 or 4 persons. Seasonable
at any time.
BACHELOR'S OMELET.
1462. INGREDIENTS.--2 or 3 eggs, 2 oz. of
butter, 1 teaspoonful of flour, 1/2 teacupful of milk.
Mode.--Make a thin cream of the flour and milk;
then beat up the eggs, mix all together, and add a pinch of salt and a few
grains of cayenne. Melt the butter in a small frying-pan, and, when very hot,
pour in the batter. Let the pan remain for a few minutes over a clear fire; then
sprinkle upon the omelet some chopped herbs and a few shreds of onion; double
the omelet dexterously, and shake it out of the pan on to a hot dish. A simple
sweet omelet can be made by the same process, substituting sugar or preserve for
the chopped herbs.
Time.--2 minutes.
Average cost, 6d.
Sufficient for 2 persons.
Seasonable at any time.
ORANGE CREAM.
1463. INGREDIENTS.--1 oz. of isinglass, 6
large oranges, 1 lemon, sugar to taste, water, 1/2 pint of good cream.
Mode.--Squeeze the juice from the oranges and
lemon; strain it, and put it into a saucepan with the isinglass, and sufficient
water to make in all 1-1/2 pint. Rub the sugar on the orange and lemon-rind, add
it to the other ingredients, and boil all together for about 10 minutes. Strain
through a muslin bag, and, when cold, beat up with it 1/2 pint of thick cream.
Wet a mould, or soak it in cold water; pour in the cream, and put it in a cool
place to set. If the weather is very cold, 1 oz. of isinglass will be found
sufficient for the above proportion of ingredients.
Time.--10 minutes to boil the juice and water.
Average cost, with the best isinglass, 3s.
Sufficient to fill a quart mould.
Seasonable from November to May.
ORANGE CREAMS.
1464. INGREDIENTS.--1 Seville orange, 1
tablespoonful of brandy, 1/4 lb. of loaf sugar, the yolks of 4 eggs, 1 pint of
cream.
Mode.--Boil the rind of the Seville orange until
tender, and beat it in a mortar to a pulp; add to it the brandy, the strained
juice of the orange, and the sugar, and beat all together for about 10 minutes,
adding the well-beaten yolks of eggs. Bring the cream to the boiling-point, and
pour it very gradually to the other ingredients, and beat the mixture till
nearly cold; put it into custard-cups, place the cups in a deep dish of boiling
water, where let them remain till quite cold. Take the cups out of the water,
wipe them, and garnish the tops of the creams with candied orange-peel or
preserved chips.
Time.--Altogether, 3/4 hour.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, 1s. 7d.
Sufficient to make 7 or 8 creams.
Seasonable from November to May.
Note.--To render this dish more economical,
substitute milk for the cream, but add a small pinch of isinglass to make the
creams firm.
SEVILLE ORANGE (Citrus vulgaris).--This variety, called also bitter orange, is of the same species as the sweet orange, and grows in great abundance on the banks of the Guadalquiver, in Andalusia, whence this fruit is chiefly obtained. In that part of Spain there are very extensive orchards of these oranges, which form the chief wealth of the monasteries. The pulp of the bitter orange is not eaten raw. In the yellow rind, separated from the white spongy substance immediately below it, is contained an essential oil, which is an agreeable warm aromatic, much superior for many purposes to that of the common orange. The best marmalade and the richest wine are made from this orange; and from its flowers the best orange-flower water is distilled. Seville oranges are also preserved whole as a sweetmeat.
ORANGE FRITTERS.
1465. INGREDIENTS.--For the batter, 1/2 lb. of
flour, 1/2 oz. of butter, 1/2 saltspoonful of salt, 2 eggs, milk, oranges, hot
lard or clarified dripping.
Mode.--Make a nice light batter with the above
proportion of flour, butter, salt, eggs, and sufficient milk to make it the
proper consistency; peel the oranges, remove as much of the white skin as
possible, and divide each orange into eight pieces, without breaking the thin
skin, unless it be to remove the pips; dip each piece of orange in the batter.
Have ready a pan of boiling lard or clarified dripping; drop in the oranges, and
fry them a delicate brown from 8 to 10 minutes. When done, lay them on a piece
of blotting-paper before the fire, to drain away the greasy moisture, and dish
them on a white d'oyley; sprinkle over them plenty of pounded sugar, and serve
quickly.
Time.--8 to 10 minutes to fry the fritters; 5
minutes to drain them.
Average cost, 9d.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons.
Seasonable from November to May.
A PRETTY DISH OF ORANGES.
1466. INGREDIENTS.--6 large oranges, 1/2 lb.
of loaf sugar, 1/4 pint of water, 1/2 pint of cream, 2 tablespoonfuls of any
kind of liqueur, sugar to taste.
Mode.--Put the sugar and water into a saucepan,
and boil them until the sugar becomes brittle, which may be ascertained by
taking up a small quantity in a spoon, and dipping it in cold water; if the
sugar is sufficiently boiled, it will easily snap. Peel the oranges, remove as
much of the white pith as possible, and divide them into nice-sized slices,
without breaking the thin white skin which surrounds the juicy pulp. Place the
pieces of orange on small skewers, dip them into the hot sugar, and arrange them
in layers round a plain mould, which should be well oiled with the purest
salad-oil. The sides of the mould only should be lined with the oranges, and the
centre left open for the cream. Let the sugar become firm by cooling; turn the
oranges carefully out on a dish, and fill the centre with whipped cream,
flavoured with any kind of liqueur, and sweetened with pounded sugar. This is an
exceedingly ornamental and nice dish for the supper-table.
Time.--10 minutes to boil the sugar. Average
cost, 1s. 8d.
Sufficient for 1 mould. Seasonable from
November to May.
TO MAKE PANCAKES.
1467. INGREDIENTS.--Eggs, flour, milk; to
every egg allow 1 oz. of flour, about 1 gill of milk, 1/8 saltspoonful of salt.
Mode.--Ascertain that the eggs are fresh; break
each one separately in a cup; whisk them well, put them into a basin, with the
flour, salt, and a few drops of milk, and beat the whole to a perfectly smooth
batter; then add by degrees the remainder of the milk. The proportion of this
latter ingredient must be regulated by the size of the eggs, &c. &c.;
but the batter, when ready for frying, should be of the consistency of thick
cream. Place a small frying-pan on the fire to get hot; let it be delicately
clean, or the pancakes will stick, and, when quite hot, put into it a small
piece of butter, allowing about 1/2 oz. to each pancake. When it is melted, pour
in the batter, about 1/2 teacupful to a pan 5 inches in diameter, and fry it for
about 4 minutes, or until it is nicely brown on one side. By only pouring in a
small quantity of batter, and so making the pancakes thin, the necessity of
turning them (an operation rather difficult to unskilful cooks) is obviated.
When the pancake is done, sprinkle over it some pounded sugar, roll it up in the
pan, and take it out with a large slice, and place it on a dish before the fire.
Proceed in this manner until sufficient are cooked for a dish; then send them
quickly to table, and continue to send in a further quantity, as pancakes are
never good unless eaten almost immediately they come from the frying-pan. The
batter may be flavoured with a little grated lemon-rind, or the pancakes may
have preserve rolled in them instead of sugar. Send sifted sugar and a cut lemon
to table with them. To render the pancakes very light, the yolks and whites of
the eggs should be beaten separately, and the whites added the last thing to the
batter before frying.
Time.--from 4 to 6 minutes for a pancake that
does not require turning; from 6 to 8 minutes for a thicker one.
Average cost, for 3 persons, 6d.
Sufficient.--Allow 3 eggs, with the other
ingredients in proportion, for 3 persons.
Seasonable at any time, but specially served on
Shrove Tuesday.
RICHER PANCAKES.
1468. INGREDIENTS.--6 eggs, 1 pint of cream,
1/4 lb. of loaf sugar, 1 glass of sherry, 1/2 teaspoonful of grated nutmeg,
flour.
Mode.--Ascertain that the eggs are extremely
fresh, beat them well, strain and mix with them the cream, pounded sugar, wine,
nutmeg, and as much flour as will make the batter nearly as thick as that for
ordinary pancakes. Make the frying-pan hot, wipe it with a clean cloth, pour in
sufficient batter to make a thin pancake, and fry it for about 5 minutes. Dish
the pancakes piled one above the other, strew sifted sugar between each, and
serve.
Time.--About 5 minutes.
Average cost, with cream at 1s. per pint, 2s. 3d.
Sufficient to make 8 pancakes.
Seasonable at any time, but specially served on
Shrove Tuesday.
PEACH FRITTERS.
1469. INGREDIENTS.--For the batter: 1/2 lb. of
flour, 1/2 oz. of butter, 1/2 saltspoonful of salt, 2 eggs, milk;--peaches, hot
lard or clarified dripping.
Mode.--Make a nice smooth, batter in the same
manner as directed in recipe No. 1393, and skin, halve, and stone the peaches,
which should be quite ripe; dip them in the batter, and fry the pieces in hot
lard or clarified dripping, which should be brought to the boiling-point before
the peaches are put in. From 8 to 10 minutes will be required to fry them, and,
when done, drain them before the fire, and dish them on a white d'oyley. Strew
over plenty of pounded sugar, and serve.
Time.--From 8 to 10 minutes to fry the fritters,
6 minutes to drain them.
Average cost, 1s.
Sufficient for 4 or 5 persons.
Seasonable in July, August, and September.
PEACH.--The peach and nectarine are amongst the most
delicious of our fruits, and are considered as varieties of the same species
produced by cultivation. The former is characterized by a very delicate down,
while the latter is smooth; but, as a proof of their identity as to species,
trees have borne peaches in one part and nectarines in another; and even a
single fruit has had down on one side and the other smooth. The trees are almost
exactly alike, as well as the blossoms. Pliny states that the peach was
originally brought from Persia, where it grows naturally, from which the name of
Persica was bestowed upon it by the Romans; and some modern botanists apply this
as the generic name, separating them from Amygdalus, or Almond, to which
Linnaeus had united them. Although they are not tropical, they require a great
deal of warmth to bring them to perfection: hence they seldom ripen in this
country, in ordinary seasons, without the use of walls or glass; consequently,
they bear a high price. In a good peach, the flesh is firm, the skin thin, of a
deep bright colour next the sun and of a yellowish green next to the wall; the
pulp is yellowish, full of highly-flavoured juice, the fleshy part thick, and
the stone small. Too much down is a sign of inferior quality. This fruit is much
used at the dessert, and makes a delicious preserve.
PEARS A L'ALLEMANDE.
1470. INGREDIENTS.--6 to 8 pears, water,
sugar, 2 oz. of butter, the yolk of an egg, 1/2 oz. of gelatine.
Mode.--Peel and cut the pears into any form that
may be preferred, and steep them in cold water to prevent them turning black;
put them into a saucepan with sufficient cold water to cover them, and boil them
with the butter and enough sugar to sweeten them nicely, until tender; then
brush the pears over with the yolk of an egg, sprinkle them with sifted sugar,
and arrange them on a dish. Add the gelatine to the syrup, boil it up quickly
for about 5 minutes, strain it over the pears, and let it remain until set. The
syrup may be coloured with a little prepared cochineal, which would very much
improve the appearance of the dish.
Time.--From 20 minutes to 1/2 hour to stew the
pears; 5 minutes to boil the syrup.
Average cost, 1s. 3d.
Sufficient for a large dish.
Seasonable from August to February.
MOULDED PEARS.
1471. INGREDIENTS.--4 large pears or 6 small
ones, 8 cloves, sugar to taste, water, a small piece of cinnamon, 1/4 pint of
raisin wine, a strip of lemon-peel, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 oz. of gelatine.
Mode.--Peel and cut the pears into quarters; put
them into a jar with 3/4 pint of water, cloves, cinnamon, and sufficient sugar
to sweeten the whole nicely; cover down the top of the jar, and bake the pears
in a gentle oven until perfectly tender, but do not allow them to break. When
done, lay the pears in a plain mould, which should be well wetted, and boil 1/2
pint of the liquor the pears were baked in with the wine, lemon-peel, strained
juice, and gelatine. Let these ingredients boil quickly for 5 minutes, then
strain the liquid warm over the pears; put the mould in a cool place, and when
the jelly is firm, turn it out on a glass dish.
Time.--2 hours to bake the pears in a cool oven.
Average cost, 1s. 3d.
Sufficient for a quart mould.
Seasonable from August to February
PINEAPPLE FRITTERS.
(An elegant Dish.)
1472. INGREDIENTS.--A small pineapple, a small
wineglassful of brandy or liqueur, 2 oz. of sifted sugar; batter as for apple
fritters No. 1393.
&nb