July 31

07-31

Steamed Halibut, *Shrimp Sauce
Riced Potatoes
Green Corn
Hindu Salad
Graham Sandwiches
Sliced Peaches with Cream
Election Cake

In 1914 July 31 was a Friday. Which is why there is fish on the menu.

There’s not a lot of internal consistency between the cards and the cookbooks or even within the books. In the 1912 edition of The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, published one year before these cards were released, today’s salad is spelled “Hindoo”.  Why it would be named that is an additional mystery. Also, the Election Cake is to be served with Boiled Milk Frosting. There is no such recipe in the cookbook. There is, however,  a Milk Frosting, which is prepared by boiling.

Steaming does not appear as an option in Ways of Cooking Fish (The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, p.160), however the recipe for Steamed Halibut, Silesian Sauce tells us: Steam by cooking over boiling water a piece of halibut weighing two pounds.

Graham Sandwiches are presumably sandwiches on Graham bread (a whole wheat bread), but I can’t find a recipe to tell me what the filing is.

Election Cake is a very old style of cake, as it’s yeast-raised and full of dried fruit. I’ve seen English recipes like this in 16th century cookbooks. In America, this cake goes back to the 18th century, with the first published recipe by  Amelia Simmons. Elections were an occasion to be celebrated in the United States and these cakes were baked in huge sizes. Fannie’s version seems more modest.

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 10

07-10

Veal Tomato Bisque
Bread Sticks
Broiled Swordfish, *Cucumber Sauce
French Fried Potatoes
String Beans
Pineapple Coupe

In 1914 July 10 was a Friday. Of course, we have fish!

Yesterday we had Veal Steaks with Tomato Sauce; today Veal Tomato Bisque. It’s possible that the veal stock was made with the bones of yesterday’s meat.

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 3

07-03
Cream of Asparagus
Cheese Croutons
Roast Chicken, Giblet Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Summer Squash
*Cherry Salad
Water Thins
Vanilla Ice Cream, Crushed Raspberries

In 1914 July 3 was a Friday.

A rare fishless Friday!

I’m assuming “Cream of Asparagus” is missing the “Soup” at the end, but I still can’t find the recipe.

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 26

06-26
Iced Consommé
Boiled Salmon, Mock Hollandaise
Steamed Potatoes
Green Peas
Dressed Asparagus in Lemon Rings
Brown Bread Sandwiches
*Strawberry Baskets

In 1914 June 26 was a Friday, hence the fish.

This is the eighth strawberry dessert this month.

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 19

06-19

Mock Consommé
Bread Sticks
*Cold Halibut, Sauce Tyrolienne
Dinner Rolls
Dressed Sliced Cucumbers with Lettuce
Toasterettes
Raspberry Cream Puffs
Café Noir

In 1914 June 19 was a Friday. You know what I’m going to say… fish!

Bread sticks and dinner rolls and crackers seems a bit excessive.

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 12

06-12
Baked Mackerel
O’Brion Potatoes
Dinner Rolls
String Bean Salad
Cheese Wafers
*Devonshire Pie

In 1914 June 12 was a Friday. Continuing our long streak, we’ve got fish today.

I’m going to count the Devonshire Pie as our fifth strawberry dessert, as it’s topped with the berries.

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 5

06-05
Broiled Mackerel
Potatoes à la Maître d’Hôtel 
Asparagus on Toast
Cheese Sandwiches
Lettuce and Radish Mayonnaise
*Lemon Cream Sherbet

In 1914 June 5 was a Friday. Look at that… fish!

I am guessing that Lettuce and Radish Mayonnaise is Lettuce and Radish Salad with Mayonnaise Dressing instead of French.

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!