Antique Recipe: White House Strawberry Shortcake 1896

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Strawberry luncheons, festivals, fairs and teas, will be the popular entertainment throughout the month of June, as the berries may be had in abundance, and in their natural state are easily prepared, and without being a tax upon the hostess, and are for most people a tempting and delicious refreshment.

Mrs. Hayes once gave, while in the White House, a luncheon to Washington young people, of which they talked for years. [Hayes 1877-1881]

The table was laid in white linen, with a crimson carnation beside each plate. Strawberry vines and berries filled a low basket in the centre of the table. At either end stood tall crystal dishes heaped with strawberries lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar.

After the salads, rolls, peas, crabs and the usual dainty luncheon menu, strawberry shortcake, with whipped cream, was served. This delicious shortcake was Mr. Crump’s recipe, and was made as follows:

White House Strawberry Shortcake

Into one pint of flour put a large teaspoonful of baking powder, and one-quarter of a teaspoonful of salt. Sift thoroughly. Rub into the flour four large tablespoonfuls of butter. Wet with a teacupful of sweet milk. Bake quickly in a hot oven. When well browned, spread with butter and berries, whole or mashed, cover heavily with sugar, and serve hot, passing a pitcher of whipped cream with the shortcake cut in cubes.

Another White House recipe for strawberry shortcake runs thus: One quart of flour; three teaspoonfuls yeast powder; one teaspoonful salt; half cupful best butter; one pint of sweet milk or water. Bake in four shallow pans; fill with strawberries lightly chopped in sugar with a knife – not bruised, but cut in pieces. Serve with the heated juice of one pint of berries and one cupful of sugar.

At any strawberry entertainment the chief feature of the table is the large dish of crimson berries, served in the French style, with their hulls on, garnished with their own leaves, and, if possible, with their tiny blossoms.

Related Article: Antique Strawberry and Berry Forks

June 1896

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