Category Archives: history
In My March Kitchen
Never mind these icicles I passed while walking to work and the snowiest February in Boston history. Spring arrives March 20 and I’m beyond ready! In the meantime, I’ve been reading recipes for inspiration – and looking at the monthly IMK … 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
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.
Potato Soup with a ‘Teacupful’ of Rice
Call this Civil War Potato Soup comfort food from the 1860s. Thickened with rice as well as bread, the recipe from Godey’s Lady’s Book puts a triple helping of starch in a bowl. It promises nothing fancy and delivers nothing but soothing warmth.
Abraham Lincoln’s Favorite Cake
Because this year marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War, I’m immersing myself this month in recipes from the 1860s. Most women of that time started married life knowing how to make a few dishes. … Continue reading
Arctic Weather Calls for Hot Spiced Rum
How low did Boston temperatures plummet this week? Officially, 2 degrees below zero. With wind chill, make that 30 below. It made my down coat feel like a light sweater. After 10 minutes of walking my recalcitrant and baffled dog, … Continue reading
In My January Kitchen
January in New England typically brings ice, snow and more snow — ideal weather for soups and stews. With inspiration from Australia-based Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, I am sharing highlights from my kitchen this month.
A Chocolate Mint Tea Room Treasure
Before malls swallowed up main streets, department stores reigned during the Christmas season. People lined up at display windows around the country to gawk at elaborate renditions of Santa’s village as well as mannequins in sequined party wear. The tea rooms … Continue reading
A Lemony Holiday Cocktail
My search for an historic holiday cocktail turned up endless variations of egg nog, mulled wine, and spiced/spiked coffee. The Boston-based cocktail virgin slut blog posted many tempting ideas. Yet the folder of family recipes yielded the best
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