Tag Archives: 1860s

In My April Kitchen

Posted on April 6, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

Let’s start this month’s post, hosted by the inimitable Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, outside with the welcome sight of crocuses pushing up through a soggy but snow-free lawn! My chives and rhubarb are sprouting (though neither is too photogenic yet). … Continue reading →

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Portrait of a Cider Cake

Posted on February 27, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

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 →

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Abraham Lincoln’s Corn Meal ‘Rail Splitters’

Posted on February 16, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

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 →

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A ‘Cheap and Quick’ (and Comforting) Pudding from 1862

Posted on February 12, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

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 →

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More Snow, More Hot Rum

Posted on February 1, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

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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Potato Soup with a ‘Teacupful’ of Rice

Posted on January 27, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

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.

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Arctic Weather Calls for Hot Spiced Rum

Posted on January 10, 2015 by heritagerecipebox

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 →

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