KITCHEN REMEDIES

Because stores are running out of cleansing things, and things in general in places, we thought you might want to see some ‘how to’s’ from a time before we had packaged goods. We found these from cookbooks that are from 1868 and 1906. Some of it, we had to translate to modern-day terms. Have fun reading, take what you can use—but remember, these are homemade cleaners and alternative options to what we have now.  

A Household Guide: Weights and Measures

Just in case you find your measuring cups misplaced, here are some helpful ways to get those same measurements!

2 Wine-glasses equal one gill or half a cup.

2 Coffeecupfuls equal 1 pint.

2 Tablespoonfuls equal 1 ounce. 

1 Tablespoonful of salt equals 1 ounce.

4 Coffeecupfuls of sifted flour equals 1 pound.

1 Quart of unsifted flour equals 1 pound.

8 or ten ordinary-sized eggs equal 1 pound.

1 pint of sugar equals 1 pound (granulated).

2 Coffeecupfuls of powdered sugar equal 1 pound.

1 Coffeecupful of cold butter pressed down, is one-half pound.

1 Tablespoonful of soft butter, well rounded, equals 1 ounce.

An ordinary tumblerful equals 1 coffee cupful or half a pint.

A piece of clear, white paper cut the size of the top of each jelly glass, dipped into good whiskey and placed over the jelly before putting on the lid, will keep the jelly fresh and prevent mold.

Wrap the winter clothing in newspaper. The paper will keep out the dust and light and the printer’s ink will keep out the moth. (BEFORE Soy ink!)

Excellent Cookies

2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, 4 eggs, 2 level teaspoonfuls baking powder, flour enough to roll out, flavor to taste

To Brown Butter:

Put a lump of butter into a hot frying pan and toss it about until it browns. Stir brown flour into it until it is smooth and begins to boil. Use it for coloring gravies and sauces for meats

To Brown Flour:

Spread flour upon a tin plate, set it upon the stove or in a very hot oven, and stir continually, after it begins to color, until it is brown all through.

To make self-rising flour:

Five or six quarts of biscuit flour can be prepared at a time by taking one teaspoonful of soda and two or cream or tartar, or three of baking powder, to every quart of flour, sifting it thoroughly three times, and put away for use.

In cleaning any vessel in which strong-smelling vegetables have been cooked, use half a teaspoonful of soda in a little hot water, washing it well afterwards in hot soapy water.

Never through water on burning oil; use flour.

Mrs. McLemore’s Soap Recipe

2 qts cooled melted grease, stir into this, contents of a can of Merry War Lye which has been dissolved in 1 tart of water and cooled until cold. Add immediately (1 cup household ammonia) and 2 tablespoons Borax which has been dissolved in ½ cup warm water. Then beat warm soap for 20 or 25 minutes. Pour into crocks to harden. Note: Be sure the lye mixture is good and cold before adding to grease.

Cookies without eggs

1 cup sugar,

½ cup butter

1 cup water

2 teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar

1 teaspoonful of soda

Flavor with nutmeg

Four enough to roll out and cut in any shape you prefer. Bake until lightly browned.

To clean painted woodwork, rub with a cloth dipped in equal parts soapsuds and ammonia. Rinse at once in clear water and the paint will look like new.

To Clean Windows:

You may use a vinegar and water solution made up of 4 tablespoons of white vinegar and a gallon of water, or you may use 2 teaspoons of ammonia and water. 

AND THEN, it had a section on etiquette:

And we wonder why they were considered the greatest generation?  These ‘tips’ are from the people that raised them. From A Household Guide, 1906:

To be skilled in the art of conversation is the wish of most everyone, but it is a gift that few possess. The ability to converse interestingly has been the stepping stone to many a man’s success.

Conversation is not mere “talk.”  One should study the affairs of the day, read and memorize to some extent good books, hear lectures and sermons and be able to say something that really interests the listener. It is not enough to say I have read this book or heard that great singer, and I like or do not like it. Your opinion is not so important, you should be able to discuss the subject to some extent.

Do not “talk shop,” if possible to avoid it. When in company one wishes to hear things that relieve the monotony of everyday work.

Do not retell the trivial happenings in your family; it is tiresome and insipid. (Don’t tell Facebook!)

Remember that a good listener is as great an entertainer as a good talker. The tact which will lead a shy or diffident person into interesting subjects and let him talk, while you listen attentively is an accomplishment much to be desired.

It is regretted that, too often, people of moderate means hesitate to give a simple dinner because of the elaborate and costly entertainments provided by the rich. True hospitality is not in inviting guests to a lavish display of flowers, cut glass, silver, and costly viands. A simple, well-served dinner, not too long, and where a few congenial friends are assembled may be delightful. If the guests are well chosen and placed with the object of having them enjoy talking to one another, they will think more about the bright and agreeable companionship at the table than about the food. The food should undoubtedly be well cooked and the dinner well served, but these details should be incidental.

“Good manners is the art of making those people easy with whom we converse. Whoever makes the fewest persons uneasy is the best bred in the company.” 

—Swift.