Colonial recipes, from old Virginia and Maryland manors

One cup of thick or sour cream, yolk of one hard-boiled egg, dessert spoonful of vinegar, pinch of salt, and a salt spoonful of mustard. Mash the egg well, add the vinegar, mustard, and salt, then the cream; stir well. This makes a delicious summer dressing, and takes the place of olive oil, which sometimes has a " taste " in hot weather. WINSTON " Hi, Bettie Martin ! tiptoe fine, Couldn't get a husband to suit her mind." What Marylander to the manner born has not hummed this couplet, and what Marylander has not heard the story of this famous Colonial beauty and belle of old Maryland! The story runs that her lovers were so numerous that it was impossible for her to decide between them, and at last her choice lay between two friends — Dallam and Winston. Dallam won her heart, and after several years of happy married life he died, after which Winston gained his heart's desire by marrying- the widow. Three sons and a daughter blessed each marriage. The daughter of Dallam was the mother of Richard Caswell, who was the Governor of South Carolina and a member of Congress. The daughter of Winston was the mother of William Paca, who was the Governor of Maryland, a member of the Continental Congress, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 64 Winston On each trip to and from Congress, we are told that both grandsons visited the beautiful Bettie, — the Lady of the Manor, — who. lived, it is said, to the great age of 120 years. And it is a tradition in the family that on the day before she died she was entertaining a number of distinguished guests; and as the dear old lady arose from the table she waved her hand with that inimitable grace which characterized her and said, " Now, Betsy's Betsy will take you to see Betsy's Betsy's Betsy's Betsy's Betsy." And she led them into a room to see the little Betsy, her great-granddaughter, that was Heaven-given a few weeks before. Through the kindness of the great-great-greatgranddaughter of this remarkable Betsy the following old Colonial recipes are given: BLACK FRUIT CAKE ( Winston) One pound of butter, 1^ pounds sugar, 1 pound and 2 ounces flour, 1 dozen eggs, 1 nutmeg, 4^ pounds raisins (seeded and cut fine), 4^ pounds currants, 1 pound citron (cut fine), 1 cup molasses with a little soda in it, \ cup Winston 65 brandy. Cream butter and sugar until light, add eggs, one at a time, then molasses and brandy. Stir in well and add the flour and fruit. Line the pan with 4 or 5 thicknesses of light brown paper. Bake carefully and slowly for 4 hours. It is said that a potato pudding is dear to the heart of every Marylander to the manner born, and here is a most excellent old recipe for one. Who knows but that Bettie Martin might have enjoyed this very pudding in the long ago! AN IRISH POTATO PUDDING ( Winston) To two pounds of potatoes after they are boiled and mashed add one pound of butter while the potatoes are hot. Take 1 pound of white sugar and beat into it 8 eggs. When the potatoes are cool add the sugar and eggs; then add \ pint of sweet cream. Flavor with \ tumbler of brandy and nutmeg to taste. Bake in an under crust. 66 Winston CHARLOTTE RUSSE ( Winston)