Looking through our archives, we came across a small book printed in 1913. The Saint Katharine’s Cookery Book is filled with recipes from students, faculty, and local supporters of the former girls’ boarding school. Please click here for more information on the history of St. Katharine’s.
This book has 195 pages filled with recipes covering traditional cookbook categories including soups, meats, salads and sandwiches, and desserts. We have selected a few samples for you to try at home.
Lily Pearl’s Chowder caught our attention under Soups with the recipe being submitted by Alice French. Miss French became a well-known writer under the name Octave Thanet. Not only was Alice known for her writing, but also her cooking. She was a popular hostess whose culinary skills were enjoyed by local families and famous individuals alike. Please learn more about Miss French and her cooking here.
We have two pages of interesting recipes under the chapter of Meat. The first that caught our attention was Old Colonial Easter Ham as we are one month away from Easter Sunday. Delmonico Hash sounds like an easy evening meal while page 47 features recipes that include mutton and liver in soufflés or stew.
Under Salads and Sandwiches, we found Asparagus Salad and Asparagus and Radish Salad which seem like lovely salads for the Spring. There are also three salad dressings in case you would like to make your own.
College Girls’ Sandwiches sound like a fun sandwich to try on page 91. Heated marshmallows on a sandwich? We are in! Toasted Cheese Sandwiches sound like a unique take on modern grilled cheese sandwiches. It seems like all these sandwiches would be delish for lunch (or a dessert with marshmallows!).
We, of course, need to include a page of desserts. Tutti Frutti caught our attention on this page. This dessert became popular after 1860 when it first appeared in England. Originally the recipe included brandy, but this version is more consistent with the recipe moving towards prohibition. We have to say that all the recipes on this page look delicious any time of the year.
We hope you have enjoyed our selections from the St. Katharine’s Cookery Book. If you try any of these recipes, we would love to hear how they taste. Please visit the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections to view the book in person!
(posted by Amy D.)
