FoodNet

La cuisine creole

1885

Page 2

Presented as published in 1885. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
SEPTtMBER 20, t926 vAy COPYRIGHT 1885. PRESS OF The L QRAHAM CO., Ltd., Nd» Ofiêêot. t INTRODUCTION. "La Cuisine Créole" (Créole cookery) partakes of the nature of its birthplace — New Orléans — fwhtch is cosmopolitan in its nature, blending the characteristics of the American, French, Spanish, Italian, West Indian and Mexiçan. In this compilation wîll be found many original recipes and other valuable ones heretofore un- published, notably those of Gombo file, Bouille-abaisse, Courtbouillon, Jambolaya, Salade a la Busse, Bisque of Cray-fish a la Créole, Pusse Café, Café brûle, Brûlot, together with many confections and delicacies for the sick, including a number of mixed drinks. Much do- mestic contentment dépends upon the successful prépa- ration of the meal; and as food rendered indigestible through ignorance in cooking of ten créâtes discord and unhappiness, it behooves the young housekeeper to learn the art of cooking. It is the author's endeavor to présent to her a number of receipes ail thoroughly tested by expérience, and em- bracing the entire fleld of the " Cuisine," set f orth in . such clear, concise terms, as to be readily understood and easily made practicable, thereby unveiling the mysteries which surround her, upon the entrée into the kitchen. Economy and simplicity govem " La Cuisine Créole ;" and its many savory dishes are rendered palat- able more as the resuit of care in their préparation, than any great skill or expensive outlay in the sélection of materials. The Créole housewif e often makes delicious morceaux from the things usually thrown away by the extravagant servant. She is proud of her art, and de- servedly receives the compliments of her friends. This volume will be found quite différent from the average cook-book in its treatment of recipes, and is the only one in print containing dishes peculiar to " la Cuisine Créole." ' f LA CUISINE CREOLE. SOOP. Soup being the first course served at ail ordinary din- ners, we make ît the basis for preliminary remarks. Nothîng more palatable than good, well-made soup, and nothîng less appetîsing than poor soup. Now to attain perfection în any lîne, care and attention are requisite, careful study a necessity, and application the moving force. Hence, cooking in ail its branches should be studied as a science, and not be looked upon as a hap- hazard mode of getting through life. Cooking is in a great measure a chemical process, and the ingrédients of certain dishes should be as carefully weighed and tested as.though emanating from the laboratory. Few female cooks think of this, but men with their superior instinc- tive reasoning power are more governed by law and abide more closely to ruie; therefore, are better cooks, and command higher priées for services. iNow, with regard to soup making, the first care is to hâve the fire brisk, the vessel in which it is cooked thoroughly cleaned and f ree from odor. To insure this, keep one vessel sacred to soup as nearly as possible ; and after serving wash the pot with potash water, or take a pièce of washing soda the size of a nutmeg, dissolve in 2 LA CUISINE CREOLE. hot water and then cleanse the vessel. A' good workman îs known by his tools, so also a good cook will look well to the utensils before commencing opérations. Good results f ollow caref ulness. Soup must hâve time to cook, and should always boil gently, that the méat may become tender, and give ont îts juices. Allow a quart of water and a teaspoonful of sait for each pound of méat. Soup méat must always be put down in cold water. Skim well before it comes to the boiling point, and again skim off superfluous fat be- fore putting in the vegetables. The vegetables most used in soups are carrots, leeks, parsley, turnip, celery, tomatoes, okras, eabbage, cauliflower, peas and potatoes.