Monthly Archives: February 2015
Portrait of a Cider Cake
Anyone with an interest in 19th century art has studied American artist James McNeill Whistler’s iconic portrait of his mother, which now hangs in the Louvre. We’ve also heard Mr. Bean, the British comic character, call Mrs. Whistler in her … Continue reading
Abraham Lincoln’s Corn Meal ‘Rail Splitters’
Presidents’ Day, celebrated today, started to honor George Washington. Since Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was February 12, he also receives special homage in February. Since I’m still making recipes from the1860s, I found a Lincoln-inspired recipe for “rail splitters” in The … Continue reading
A ‘Cheap and Quick’ (and Comforting) Pudding from 1862
In any era, wartime cooking brings out the spirit of making do with whatever can be scrounged up when most supplies go to the war effort. The Confederate Receipt Book, published in Richmond in 1862 as the Civil War entered … Continue reading
In My February Kitchen
What’s going on outside my kitchen this month dominates everything right now. In the past week, more than 40 inches (about 1 meter) of snow has fallen on Boston and another storm is supposed to arrive tomorrow. These icicles have … Continue reading
More Snow, More Hot Rum
Two feet of snow and more predicted? How to Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant’s Companion (1862) by Jerry Thomas once again provides a welcome reward for shoveling. This time, I made it up to recipe number 200, Black Stripe.
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