Two Amusing Books

I have been in love with the movie, Mrs. Miniver, for years.  I always cry during the rose competition scenes and I'd bet it's not the part you're thinking about.

In any case, several years ago I learned that the movie is based on a series of columns by Jan Struther that were later gathered into a book.  A couple of weeks ago, I located the book on Amazon and bought it.  I love it.  It is charming and entertaining and amusing. 

I do love when authors can make their writing seem both effortless and elegant.  Example:  when talking with a relative about swans, Mrs. Miniver says, "...Conceited brutes.  They always look as though they'd just been reading their own fan mail."  Sigh.  I do so wish I could write as well.

Another book I bought at the same time is amusing in a totally different way.  It's The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria Child.  It was first published in 1828.  It is a hoot and a half to read.  Some of the stuff could still be done today.  Other stuff, maybe not so much.

Among other things I need to find out what pearlash is.  It's mentioned in several recipes as an ingredient.

Here's a recipe for Wedding Cake. 

"Good common wedding cake may be made thus:  Four pounds of flour, three pounds of butter, three pounds of sugar, four pounds of currants, two pounds of raisins, twenty-four eggs, half a pint of brandy, or lemon-brand, one ounce of mace, and three nutmegs.  A little molasses makes it dark-colored, which is desirable.  Half a pound of citron improves it; but it is not necessary.  To be baked two hours and a half, or three hours."

OMG.  Plus, can you imagine beating all this together without the use of an industrial strength mixer?

Off to amuse myself with more helpful hints from 1828 on how to run a happy and healthy household.

Papillon