American Cookery: The Art of Dressing Viands, Fish, Poultry, and Vegetables

otherwise useless spot, which might serve the two fold use of shade and fruit; on which 12 or 14 kinds of fruit trees might easily be engrafted, and essentially preserve the orchard from the intrusions of boys, &c. which is too common in America. If the boy who thus planted a tree, and guarded and protected it in a useless corner, and carefully engrafted different fruits, was to be indulged free access into orchards, whilst the neglectful boy was prohibited--how many millions of fruit trees would spring into growth--and what a saving to the union. The net saving would in time extinguish the public debt, and enrich our cookery. _Currants_, are easily grown from shoots trimmed off from old bunches, and set carelessly in the ground; they flourish on all soils, and make good jellies--their cultivation ought to be encouraged. _Black Currants_, may be cultivated--but until they can be dryed, and until sugars are propagated, they are in a degree unprofitable. _Grapes_, are natural to the climate; grow spontaneously in every state in the union, and ten degrees north of the line of the union. The _Madeira_, _Lisbon_ and _Malaga_ Grapes, are cultivated in gardens in this country, and are a rich treat or desert. Trifling attention only is necessary for their ample growth. Having pointed out the _best methods of judging of the qualities of Viands, Poultry, Fish, Vegetables, &c._ We now present the best approved methods of DRESSING and COOKING them; and to suit all tastes, present the following _RECEIPTS._ _To Roast Beef._ The general rules are, to have a brisk hot fire, to hang down rather than to spit, to baste with salt and water, and one quarter of an hour to every pound of beef, tho' tender beef will require less, while old tough beef will require more roasting; pricking with a fork will determine you whether done or not; rare done is the healthiest and the taste of this age. _Roast Mutton._ If a breast let it be cauled, if a leg, stuffed or not, let be done more gently than beef, and done more;