I have an old cookbook full of interesting recipes. Some, from the 1800's, are for things like making your own soap, emergency candles (wax and sawdust, anyone?), or a cure for deafness. There's even one for Toad Ointment. Toad Ointment is supposed to be good for "sprains, strains, lame-back, rheumatism, etc." All you need are four good-sized live toads, unsalted butter, and tincture of arnica. The crazier recipes were included for interesting historical perspective, although it might be kind of fun to try making my own soap.
Since we're all getting ready for the biggest cooking holiday of the year, I thought I would share this recipe just for fun. I'm NOT suggesting you actually try this one! I've retyped here exactly as it appears in the cookbook.
Aunt Hazel's Rum Cake
Before you begin, sample the rum and check for quality. Umm -- good isn't it!
Now go ahead, select a large mixing bowl, measuring cup and oh, yes, check that rum again for quality. It must be just right; try it again.
With an electric beater, beat one cup butter in a large fluggy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and beat it again. Meanwhile, make certain that the rum if of the best quality. Add 2 large eggs and 2 cups of fried fruit. Beat until very high. If fruit should get stuck in the beaters, pry it out with a sreq-driver (turn off beaters first) which reminds me, sample the rum again, checking for consistency. Shift 3 cups baking powder and add a pinch of rum, one seaspoon today and 1 cup fo pepper (or is it salt?) Anyhoo, don't fret. Just taste that rum again -- Zowie -- Next sift a half punt lemon juice, fold in chopped buttermilt and strained nuts, beating well. Sample rum again, then add one bablespoon trown sugar or whatever color is around. Mix well, while checking on rum. Grease oven and turn on cake pan to 350 degrees. Pour the whole mess in the oven -- oops, where's the mop? On second thought, add third and fourth. Forget the oven, forget the cake, check out the rest of the rum for consistency and go to bed.
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Hope you have a safe, sober, and joyful Thanksgiving!!
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