More Goodies For Christmas

A couple of months ago, I told you about some great cookbooks that I had found at a local Goodwill store. One of the cookbooks was titled "The Compleat American Housewife--1787". At that time, I promised that I would share some of the contents with you and today I will.

No, I'm not going to give you the recipes--that's for some other time--but I will give you a menu that might have graced George Washington's table on this Holiday.

For those of us who think that preparing a Roast Turkey, maybe a Baked Ham, along with a couple of vegetables and a pie or two takes up "just flat too much time", this menu should be a real eyeopener. Imagine if you will, preparing all of the following for your Christmas Dinner.

An Onion Soup called "The King's Soup"

Oysters on the Half Shell, Broiled Salt Roe Herring, Boiled Rockfish

Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, Mutton Chops

Roast Suckling Pig, Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing

Round of Cold Boiled Beef with Horseradish Sauce, Cold Virginia Baked Ham

For vegetables, they might have had--Lima Beans, Baked Acorn Squash, Baked Cellery (Note Spelling) with slivered Almonds, Hominy Pudding and Candied Sweet Potatoes

Cantaloupe Pickles, Spiced Peaches in Brandy, Spiced Cranberries.

Desserts would include Mincemeat Pie, Apple Pie, Blanemange, Plums in Wine Jelly, Snowballs, Indian Pudding, Great Cake, Ice Cream, and Plum Pudding.

Snacks included Fruits, Nuts and Raisins and the after dinner drinks were Port and Madeira Wines.

Now, that's what I call a real "feast". However, I'm afraid that it'd take me a week or two to prepare it all. Sure would like to sit down at a table like that tho. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Now let's get to a few recipes for your Christmas table. I've been concentrating on desserts and other side dishes this season since I'm sure that all of you have already made up your minds about the main dish that you will be serving. But you might like to give some of these side dishes and desserts for something different this year.

Let's Get Cooking! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Ambrosia Salad

2 Cups Cranberries (Halved)(Fresh or Frozen)

1/2 Cup Sugar

3 Cups Miniature Marshmallows

2 Cups Fresh Sweet Apples (Unpeeled, Cored, and Diced)

1 Cup Seedless Grapes (Halved)(Red Seedless are Sweeter than Green)

1 Can Pineapple Tidbits (20 oz can, Drained)

3/4 Cup Black Walnuts (Coarsely Chopped)(Pecans can be Substituted)

4 Cups Whipped Topping

1 Cup Shredded Coconut

In a medium bowl, combine the Cranberry Halves and the Sugar--Stir well to combine. In a large bowl, combine the Diced Apples, Grape Halves, Pineapple Bits, and the Marshmallows. Add the Cranberry mixture and the Nuts and mix very well. Fold in the Whipped Topping. Cover and chill well before serving. When serving, sprinkle each serving with the Shredded Coconut.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic