Mrs Beeton's Recipes - Gems From a Victorian Cookbook

Mrs Beeton was born in London in 1836 and was3l beef stock
christened Isabella Mary Mayson. In July 1856 sheMethod:
married Samuel Orchard Beeton and became MrsPeel and quarter the apples then remove their cores.
Beeton. In 1859, after the tragic death of her firstAdd to a pan along with the stock, bring to a simmer
child in 1857 she began writing articles on cookerythen stew gently for about 30 minutes, or until
and household management for her husband'stender. Take off the heat and either purée in a
publications.blender or press through a fine-meshed sieve with
In 1861 these publications were gathered together inthe back of a spoon.
a single volume, entitled, rather imposingly: TheReturn the purée to a pan, add the seasonings
Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine and in Octoberthen bring to a boil, take off the heat, ladle into
1861, the articles were published as a single volume:warmed bowls and serve.
The Book of Household Management ComprisingGrouse Pie
information for the Mistress, Housekeeper, Cook,Ingredients:
Kitchen-Maid, Butler, Footman, Coachman, Valet,2 grouse
Upper and Under House-Maids, Lady's-Maid,450g rump steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
Maid-of-all-Work, Laundry-Maid, Nurse and Nurse-Maid,290ml well-seasoned stock
Monthly Wet and Sick Nurses, etc. etc.Beetonalso350g fresh puff pastrycayenne peppersalt and
Sanitary, Medical, & Legal Memoranda: with a Historyfreshly-ground black pepper
of the Origin, Properties, and Uses of all Things1 egg yolk, beaten, to glaze
Connected with Home Life and Comfort. Though theMethod:
book quickly became known rather more succinctlyLine the base of a large pie dish with the steak. If
as: Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.the grouse are large then joint them, if they are
It gave an extensive collection of recipes, as well assmall, halve them. Lay the bird pieces on top of the
tips on how to run a Victorian household. As well asmeat then season liberally with cayenne pepper, salt
having recipes that are still made and which are stilland black pepper. Pour in the stock then cover the
relevant today it is also our best guide to the foodspie with the puff pastry. Brush the top with the
(both opulent and frugal) of the Victorian dining table.beaten yolk of an egg make a few steam holes in
This book also represents the first time that recipesthe top and transfer to an oven pre-heated to
were published in the modern manner, with a list of180°C. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the meat
ingredients and instructions on how to cook them.is cooked and the pastry is golden brown. Serve hot
Below you will find two of Mrs Beeton's classicwith mashed potatoes and root vegetables.
recipes, for a starter and a main course, redactedNote: If you are jointing your grouse then you can
(re-written) for the modern age.make a gravy by stewing the grouse backbones and
Apple Souptrimmings with an onion, a little sherry, herbs and a
Ingredients:blade of mace.
900g cooking applesI hope you enjoyed this article an recipes and are
3/4 tsp freshly-ground white peppernow keen to learn more about Mrs Beeton and her
6 clovescayenne pepper, or ground ginger, to tasterecipes.