Some Festive Recipes from Mrs Beeton
Lambswool
Lambswool is one of the traditional drinks of Wassailing. It is an old recipe with many versions and this one uses ale rather than cider. The use of ale is thought to be much older but the use of lemon in this recipe is modern.
Ingredients:
1 ½ litres of traditional ale
½ a litre of apple juice
1 tablespoon of honey
¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves
Juice and zest of a lemon (unwaxed)
Method
In a large saucepan gently simmer the apple juice, spices, lemon juice and zest for about ten minutes but do not let it boil. Add the ale and honey, stirring continuously on a gentle heat until it dissolves.
Serve and drink whilst warm.
Mrs Beeton's Christmas Plum Pudding
Ingredients: - 8ozs. of moist sugar, 8ozs. of finely chopped suet, 8ozs. of sultanas cleaned, 8ozs. of raisins halved and stoned, 8ozs. of currants washed and dried, 4ozs. of shredded mixed candied peel, 4ozs. of flour, 4ozs. of breadcrumbs, 2ozs. of almonds blanched and shredded, the grated rind of 1 lemon, 4 eggs, a saltspoonful of nutmeg grated, ½ a teaspoon of salt, ¼ of a pint of milk, 1 wineglass of brandy.
Method: - Mix all the dry ingredients together, stir in the well beaten eggs, milk and brandy, turn the mixture into 2 well buttered basins, steam from 5 to 6 hours.
Time: - To cook, from 5 to 6 hours. Average Cost, 2s. 6d. Sufficient for 8 or 9 persons
Mince Pies
Mincemeat Ingredients: - 1lb of finely chopped apples, 1lb of currants, cleaned and picked, ¾ of a lb of finely chopped suet, ¾ of a lb of raisins, stoned and quartered, ¾ of a lb of castor sugar, ¼ of a lb of finely shredded mixed candied peel, the grated rind and juice of 2 lemons, ½ a teaspoonful of cinnamon, ground cloves, mace and nutmeg, mixed in equal proportions, ¼ of a pint of brandy.
Method: - Mix all these ingredients well together, press them into a jar, cover closely and store in a cool dry place until required. It should be kept 1 month at least before being used.
Average Cost: - About 6d per lb
Use with either shortcrust pastry or puff pastry and bake in a moderately hot oven
