Too scary presidential dessert
February 15, 2010
St. Charles County, MO
By Kris Kolk
On Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, sheep were raised, wool was spun and animals were butchered.
Even chores familiar to 2010 folks such as cooking, dishes, laundry and ironing...were tackled without electrical appliances.
Yes, farm and home chores were performed by strong, robust types. Baking, apparently, was no exception.
Martha Washington’s Great Cake recipe provides us a “taste” of 1700’s style baking.
Just so you know, I have not tried the recipe. I’m too chicken.
Will the dessert burst from the oven before killing its creator? Will it resemble the “killer soufflé” from the 1979 movie, Scavenger Hunt?
You’ve been warned. Bake at your own risk.
Martha Washington’s Great Cake
40 eggs, separated
4 pounds of butter, worked to a cream
Beat egg whites ‘til frothy. Put egg whites into the butter a spoonful at a time.
Add 4 pounds of finely powdered sugar.
Add the yolks of 40 eggs.
Add 5 pounds of flour.
Add 5 pounds of dried fruits or nuts
Add an ounce of nutmeg
Add a half pint of cream sherry.
Bake for 2 hours in a really tall pan.
Copyright 2010 Neighbors About Town
