My photo
We all have a story to tell. Some speak louder than others. Listen closely to hear the stories of our ancestors echoing under our footsteps. They are the authors. We are the keepers.

Search This Blog

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Herstoryan's Hearth: The American Frugal Housewife (1841)



Excepts from: Mrs. Child. The American Frugal Housewife, Dedicated To Those Who Are Not Afraid Of Economy. New York: Samuel S. & William Wood, 1841. Print. I love this book and highly recommend it for further reading. 


APPLE WATER. This is given as sustenance when the stomach is too weak to bear broth, &c. It may be made thus,  - Pour boiling water on roasted apples; let them stand three hours, then strain and sweeten lightly: - Or it may be made thus, - Peel and slice tart apples, add some sugar and lemon-peel; then pour some boiling water over the whole, and let it stand covered by the fire, more than an hour.  p 32


CURING HAM. The old-fashioned way for curing hams is to rub them with salt very thoroughly, and let them lay twenty-four hours. To each ham allow two ounces of salt-petre, one quart of common salt and one quart of molasses. First baste them with molasses; next rub in the salt-petre; and, last of all, the common salt. They must be carefull turned and rubbed every day for six weeks; then hang them in a chimney, or smoke-house, four weeks. They should be well covered up in paper bags, and put in a chest, or barrel, with layers of ashes, or charcoal, between. p 41


INDIAN CAKE. Indian cake, or bannock, is sweet and cheap food. One quart of sifted meal, two great spoonfuls of molasses, two tea-spoonfuls of salt, a bit of shortening half as big as a hen's egg, stirred together; make it pretty moist with scadling water, put it into a well greased pan, smooth over the surface with a spoon, and bake it brown on both sides, before a quick fire. A little stewed pumpkin, scalded with the meal, improves the cake. Bannock split and dipped in butter makes very nice toast. p 75


Rise early, Eat simple food. Take plenty of exercise. Never fear a little fatigue. p 87




1 comment:

  1. I like the last sentence. Good advice for us all. : )

    www.toniasroots.net

    ReplyDelete