Cool Desserts for a Victorian Summer Evening

Cool Desserts for a Victorian Summer Evening

Cool, inexpensive dessert recipes appealed to our Victorian grandmothers, especially in summertime heat. These three recipes, published in the Saint Paul Globe of Saint Paul, Minnesota on June 24, 1888 were perfect for a cameo appearance in my Holidays in Mountain Home title 8– Unmistakably Yours.

Victorian Cooking: The Sifter ~ An American Victorian Invention?

Victorian Cooking: The Sifter ~ An American Victorian Invention?

Flour sifters are an important part of baking–today, and in the Victorian Era. Would you be surprised to learn the first flour sifter was patented by an American? See a timeline of Victorian-era advertisements for sifters and flour sieves, flour bins (canisters or extraordinary sizes) with built-in sieves, patents for early sifters and sieve holders, and a perspective of price. The advertising, alone, sheds light on why 19th century cooks were persuaded to purchase and use these devices.

Victorian Americans had Devil’s Food Cake and Angel Food Cake?

Victorian Americans had Devil’s Food Cake and Angel Food Cake?

Which came FIRST in Victorian home kitchens? Angel’s Food Cake or Devil’s Food Cake? BOTH appeared in the 1800’s…but one was definitely first. Which is your guess?

This post begins a new blog series, all about Victorian home bakers, CAKE, Angel (Angel’s) Food Cake, Chocolate Cake (and Devil’s Food Cake), Cake Moulds and Tins, Time-saving Inventions for cooks / bakers, and more than one surprise!

Victorian Baking: Saleratus, Baking Soda, and Salsoda

Victorian Baking: Saleratus, Baking Soda, and Salsoda

Today, December 30th, is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day.

Why recognize and celebrate such an obscure “foodie” day?

Victorian-era recipes containing saleratus, pearl ash, baking soda, baking powder (and more) can be confusing… and evoke a million questions. When were each used? Which were Victorian-era developments? Which did 19th century cooks prefer?

Potato Chips in the Old West

Potato Chips in the Old West

Potato Chips are an American (and world-wide) favorite. Invented by accident–or should we say “accidentally-on-purpose”?–these potato crisps first graced the table of an elite resort in 1853 in upstate New York. News of the “invention” spread far and fast, and quickly became part of every homemaker’s repertoire, available on grocer’s shelves, served in restaurants, peddled by salesmen, and inspired further inventions.