Burrr….. While many of us are accustomed to sipping hot cocoa and watching snow fall by a warm fire, back in the Regency Era it wasn’t quite that simple. Back in the day, during frigid winter months, many went to work harvesting ice from frozen lakes and ponds in the nearby country side. It was then cut into large blocks and hauled by sled to an estate’s ice-house. This ice house was a storage facility of sorts where the ice would be stored under ground and kept all year and removed as needed. We've come a long way from those days to our lovely stainless steel, dual-sided refrigerator/freezers, haven't we?
After a long days work most returned home, or to what they referred to as home. In the Regency Era homes consisted of high ceilings, ill-fitting windows, and a space with a lack of central plumbing and heating. This is why when they could get out and enjoy the fresh air they seized every opportunity. Although ice skating has been around since 3,000 B.C., it quickly became a favorite activity among people of all ages during this period. When the bitter cold got to be too much, many would resort to inside activities; which included playing cribbage, attending musical productions, or simply work on mastering some fun arts and crafts or perfecting cooking recipes.
If you want to put your baking skills to a test and happen to be stuck inside on one of those snowy days, try out this delicious recipe which has been reported to have been served by Dolley Madison to her husband, President James Madison!
***Sugar Cookies
2 cups butter
¾ cup milk
4 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
10 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp cinnamon
10 egg whites, beaten
Flour to suit
Cream butter and sugar in large wooden mixing bowl. Stir in custard-like egg yolks. Follow this by lightly stirring in stiffly beaten egg whites. Add milk. Dissolve baking soda in a little boiling water and blend with other ingredients. Lastly add cinnamon and blend. If dough is not the right consistency to roll out, work in more flour as needed. When ready, place dough on floured board. Roll out into thin sheet about 1/4 inches or less thick Cut cookies in any desired shapes Place on shallow buttered baking sheets Sprinkle sugar over them prior to putting in moderately quick oven (375 degrees) for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Makes about 6 dozen.
***http://www.janeausten.co.uk/sugar-cookies/
After a long days work most returned home, or to what they referred to as home. In the Regency Era homes consisted of high ceilings, ill-fitting windows, and a space with a lack of central plumbing and heating. This is why when they could get out and enjoy the fresh air they seized every opportunity. Although ice skating has been around since 3,000 B.C., it quickly became a favorite activity among people of all ages during this period. When the bitter cold got to be too much, many would resort to inside activities; which included playing cribbage, attending musical productions, or simply work on mastering some fun arts and crafts or perfecting cooking recipes.
If you want to put your baking skills to a test and happen to be stuck inside on one of those snowy days, try out this delicious recipe which has been reported to have been served by Dolley Madison to her husband, President James Madison!
***Sugar Cookies
2 cups butter
¾ cup milk
4 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
10 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp cinnamon
10 egg whites, beaten
Flour to suit
Cream butter and sugar in large wooden mixing bowl. Stir in custard-like egg yolks. Follow this by lightly stirring in stiffly beaten egg whites. Add milk. Dissolve baking soda in a little boiling water and blend with other ingredients. Lastly add cinnamon and blend. If dough is not the right consistency to roll out, work in more flour as needed. When ready, place dough on floured board. Roll out into thin sheet about 1/4 inches or less thick Cut cookies in any desired shapes Place on shallow buttered baking sheets Sprinkle sugar over them prior to putting in moderately quick oven (375 degrees) for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Makes about 6 dozen.
***http://www.janeausten.co.uk/sugar-cookies/
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