FoodNet

The "Queen" cookery books: Breakfast and Lunch Dishes

1904

Page 1

Presented as published in 1904. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
D. S. F. MUSTARD. See that Colman’s name is on the Tin. CORN FLOUR. jjlM / For Blanc Manges, Custards, &c. I Self- Rising Flour. For Bread, Pastry, Cakes, Puddings, Scones, &c. io8, CANNON STREET, LONDON, andrCARROW WORKS NORWICH. BREAKFAST AiN O LUNCH DISHES. CHAPTER I. BHEAKFAST. Few, if any, House-mistresses require in these days to be reminded that as much daintiness is needed about the breakfast as about the dinner table ; and few households are in the case suggested, in some old housekeeping books, by the minute hints given regarding the s’potlessness of the napery, the brilliancy of the plate and china, and the care in the laying of the table. We may be thankful that such neglect as is implied by these suggestions is a thing of the past in any properly kept establishment. Still, unless the servants can be implicitly depended on, which is not always the case, it is well for the mistress to look round occasionally, especially in the case of a new servant, to see that all the accessories, such as hot plates, extra cold ones, extra knives and forks, &c., are at hand. The breakfast cruets especially require a friendly glance at intervals, or B 2 BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DISHES. the mustard will be fouiul to have degenerated into an unpleasant brown mud, the peppermill will be empty, and the salt will have hardened into a rock. If the parlourmaid cannot be trusted to see to these small matters, which, however, are very impoidant for comfort, it will be well to have small mustard pots which must be refilled daily ; and either have Cerebos salt — that capital condiment which never seems to lose its condition even under the most trying circumstances — or else a jar of fine table salt must be kept in a warm place, handy to fill up the saltcellars daily. If liked, a very little cornflour may be mixed with the salt, as this prevents its caking. Next as to the breakfast itself. Bread, of course, and probably in various forms, should be at hand ; one or more hot dishes according to circumstances, one cold one, at least, on the sideboard, and either jam, compote, or fresh fruit will make up the menu. Where economy has to be studied, it is well to provide what may be called a first course in the shape of porridge, Quaker’s oats, hominy, &c., and then proceed to the hot dishes, &c. It may here be observed if the delightful breakfast heater, now to be obtained in so many different shapes and materials, is unobtainable, that a dainty little chauffer ette is to be had for a very few shillings, which will keep a dish hot, and will serve afterwards as a footwarmer, &c., as may be required, at a cost of about Id. an hour. For this methylated spirit is used. Tea. — Strangely enough, considering this is almost a national drink in this country, it is by no means always found perfectly made. To begin with, the BREAKFAST. 3