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28 January 2018 - Your 1860's Home Management Ideas

Menus for This Month

"A January 'Dinner for 8 Persons' suggested in 1861 by Mrs. Isabella Beeton in her Book of Household Management published in that year was:"

Let's pause right here for a moment. If you are as lost as I am you just know you are not alone. I had to figure out just who we were talking about before continuing on with this passage.



In 1861, Ms Beeton published a book titled "Book of Household Management" that sold 60,000 copies in its first year.

She was born in London and was a writer, editor, and journalist.
She wrote for the "English Woman's Domestic Magazine" which was owned by her husband.

She died at the early age of 28. Her name became associated with knowledge and authority on Victorian cooking and home management.


In her book the excerpt for Dinner for 8 Persons consisted of 3 courses and a dessert.

1st Course: Mulligatawny Soup. Brill and Shrimp Sauce. Entree of Fricasseed Chicken, Pork Cutlets with a Tomato Sauce.

2nd Course: Haunch of Mutton. Boiled Turkey and Celery Sauce. Boiled Tongue garnished with Brussel Sprouts.

3rd Course: Roast Pheasants. 

Desserts: Meringues a la  Creme. Compote of Apples. Orange Jelly. Cheesecakes. Souffle of Rice

You guys...

This was for a one sit down meal. My my....how things have changed.

Now if this is too much because maybe this was written for a dinner party when you are entertaining guests, you might go for her entry on a "Plain Sunday Dinner for January".

1. Codfish and Oyster Sauce with Potatoes
2. Joint of Roasted Mutton with Broccoli, Potatoes, and Red-Currant Jelly
3. Apple Tarts with Custard and Cheese

Our 1970's Almanac even admits that these dinner entries are ridiculous. Even if the food was available, the menu options are ridiculously out of any dieting territory.

How could stuffing your face with so many calories be good for anyone!

The Almanac suggests you go with salad.

Watch your figure and your dollars!

If you expecting 8 for dinner plan a potluck
amiright

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