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 29

07-29

*Bisque of Lobster
Braised Calf’s Liver, Brown Sauce
Potatoes au Gratin
Shell Beans
Cucumber Salad
Cream Puffs
Café Noir

In 1914 July 29 was a Wednesday. We had lobster yesterday as well. Must be summer!

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 9

07-09
Iced Watermelon Cubes
Veal Steaks, Tomato Sauce
Potato Croquettes
Lima Beans
Lettuce and Cucumber Salad
Butter Thins
*Blueberry Molasses Puffs, Whipped Cream

In 1914 July 9 was a Thursday.

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 30

06-30
Creamed Mushroom Canapés
Boiled Leg of Mutton, Caper Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Carrots à la Poulette
*Chocolate Soufflé

In 1914 June 30 was a Tuesday.

This menu is almost identical to Family Dinners Menu No. XX in What to Have for Dinner. However, that one has soup instead of canapés and adds a salad and a sauce for the soufflé.

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 ninth 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 13


Spinach Soup
*Cheese Croûtons
Porterhouse Steak, Sauce Figaro
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Creamed Asparagus
French Cream Cakes, Hot Chocolate Sauce

In 1914 June 13 was a Saturday.

Today is the day Scratch gave me this box of menus and recipes as an anniversary gift. Little did he know that it would launch this project.

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!