August 4

08-04

Iced Tomato Bouillon
Cold Sliced Tongue
Dinner Rolls
*Jellied Vegetable Ring
Coffee Soufflé
Wafer Crackers
Pineapple Cheese

In 1914 August 4 was a Tuesday.

NortonPineappleCheese-e1363634699709When I first saw “Pineapple Cheese” I thought it might be a sliceable fruit preserve, like damson or quince cheese. Some further research showed that it was, in fact, cheese shaped like a pineapple! In 1809 Lewis M. Norton of Goshen, Connecticut began making these unusual cheeses and shortly thereafter patented the process. The cheddar-style cheese was pressed in a pineapple-shaped mold  and then hung in nets to cure, which gave it a pineapple texture. The outside was painted with linseed oil or even shellack to create a hard rind.

To serve the cheese, it was placed in a holder and the top was cut off. Then the cheese inside the rind was removed with a special scoop.

The pineapple cheese was a popular gift as the  pineapple is a symbol of welcome. It was an extravagant gift too, as it was one of the more expensive cheeses.

M2This 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!

July 23

07-23

*Veal and Sago Soup
O’Brion Potatoes
Shell Beans
Corn on the Cob
Berry Pie
Cheese
Café Noir

In 1914 July 23 was a Thursday.

These days “sago” is often a synonym for tapioca, but they come from different plants. Fannie is very specific: Tapioca is starch obtained from tuberous roots of the bitter cassava, native of South America. Sago is starch obtained from sago palms, native of India. (The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, p. 6)

The Berry Pie might be blueberry or blackberry.

M2This 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!

July 14

07-14

*Baked Lobster in Shell
Cold Sliced Boiled Tongue
Gherkins
Dinner Rolls
Sliced Peaches and Cream
Berwick Sponge Cake
Toasted Crackers
Cheese
Café Noir

In 1914 July 14 was a Tuesday.

M2This 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!

June 28

06-28
*Frozen Egg Nog
Roast Ribs of Beef
Franconia Potatoes
Summer Squash
Macedoine Jelly
Sultana Sticks
Toasted Crackers
Camembert
Café Noir

In 1914 June 28 was a Sunday.

No one could have known when this menu was created, but today was a most momentous day. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie, the Duchess of Hohenberg were assassinated in Sarajevo. The tragic event launched Europe into war.

M2This 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!

June 25

06-25
*Hot Finnan Haddie Canapés
Cold Sliced Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Gherkins
Parker House Rolls
Blackberry Pie
Cheese Squares
Café Noir

In 1914 June 25 was a Thursday.

Finnan Haddie is Scottish smoked haddock.

M2This 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!

June 18

06-18
*Pecan Nut Loaf, White Sauce
Asparagus on Toast
Lettuce Salad, Pimiento Ribbons
Blueberry Pie
Cheese Squares

In 1914 June 18 was a Thursday. Another meatless meal!

The Pecan Nut Loaf is more of a mashed potato loaf with pecans on top.

M2This 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!