Mrs Beeton Revisited for the 21st Century
I have updated many of Mrs Beeton’s original recipes, it is by no means a complete listing and is not intended to be a definitive catalogue.
This is my interpretation of the recipes others may take a different view, if you do not like them - do not use them!
I have changed some of the wording, where needed, just to update the phraseology but tried to retain the essence.
I have included many of her notes, as well as her cooking times and costings in old pounds, shillings and pennies, I have not bothered to convert these costs (you can do so if you wish).
It many cases the exact cooking temperatures are not given, so you should use your own experience and some caution!
Many of these recipes were intended for cooks that have some knowledge and experience.
I have converted the measurements given into metric and imperial, where archaic measurements were used, I have modernised these too (where possible).
You will also find that in certain cases, vegetables such as onions, peas, mushrooms, etc. are measured by volume rather than by weight.
Some of the quantities used are large, as her recipes were intended for a larger household of people.
So, you may wish to reduce the quantities to suit your own needs.
Please note that I have not been able to test many of these recipes, so cooking them is very much at your own risk!
You will also find some dishes that are not to modern tastes or attitudes, though I have not included some of the more extreme such as Lark Pie, Roast Ptarmigan or Real Turtle Soup!
When it comes to questions about these recipes, please before sending them to me, do try doing some research for yourself. I will try to answer if I can, but I make no promises.
Though I would be interested to hear your comments, if you are unhappy with this interpretation - simply read no further!
As to sourcing ingredients, some will now be hard, if not impossible to obtain.
One that I know is virtually impossible to obtain easily is saltpetre, as it is used in the making of fireworks.
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