Victorian Jelly: Ivory Dust

Victorian Jelly: Ivory Dust

Victorian-era jellies were thickened with a variety of articles–including ivory dust.

Yes, the dust created from carving and shaping ivory into things like knife handles.

Victorian-era U.S. publications tell the story.

Victorian Fare: Cookies

Victorian Fare: Cookies

Can you imagine baking cookies like a Victorian? Given many ingredients and measuring methods are unfamiliar to today’s cooks, I’ve shared brief info about those mystery ingredients and 19th-century measuring implements.

Potato Chips in the Old West

Potato Chips in the Old West

Potato Chips are an American (and world-wide) favorite. Invented by accident–or should we say “accidentally-on-purpose”?–these potato crisps first graced the table of an elite resort in 1853 in upstate New York. News of the “invention” spread far and fast, and quickly became part of every homemaker’s repertoire, available on grocer’s shelves, served in restaurants, peddled by salesmen, and inspired further inventions.