Roasted Hamburg Steak
Baked Potatoes
*Quick Dinner Biscuits
Lettuce and String Bean Salad
Cheese Sandwiches
Coffee Soufflé

In 1914 May 16 was a Saturday.

Gem pans are like muffin tins, but shallower. They’re made of cast iron and the compartments have spaces between for more even heat circulation. The design was patented by Nathaniel Waterman of Boston in 1859.

I found my very own gem pan and made Quick Dinner Biscuits!

They really are quick and tasty too.

Notes on substitutions:

If you don’t want to use lard, you can use vegetable shortening. They two fats have a similar consistency and neutral flavor. Butter will add its own distinctive flavor (which may not be a bad thing), and unless it’s been softened, will take longer to work into the dry ingredients, which might change the texture. It will probably change the texture of the biscuits anyway.

If you don’t have pastry flour (or cake flour), use all-purpose, but be aware that the biscuits will not be as tender.

A decent substitute for a gem pan would be a cast-iron skillet. I think cast-iron muffin pans are too deep to bake the same way and an aluminum baking sheet doesn’t hold heat the same way. Perhaps some experimentation is required!

This project is supported by my Patrons on Patreon and donations from other enthusiasts of historic cookery. With your help I can acquire the unusual ingredients and equipment and do the research needed to continue my culinary adventures. Thank you so much!