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