Holiday Catering.

The Easter-time holiday approacheth, and with it the necessity to plan the holiday food. One cannot always take one’s servants with one on holiday, and the problem of food preparation and service, is, for some, tedious. I must add that I am not one of those folk – planning holiday food is a large part of the fun for me, and this year it is nine-days worth – how good is that?!

In previous times - in Britain at any rate - one could manage quite nicely by letting Harrods do some of the work. A display advertisement for the store in July 1919 was reassuring to those who wanted (and could afford) to out-source the difficulty.

“Wherever your holiday may take you, any difficulty in the matter of food supplies will quickly vanish if only you avail yourself of Harrod’s help. Be it no more than a ‘Hamper’ you require or be it the food needs of a household you can depend on Harrod’s absolutely. Simply send a clear note of your particular requirements and trust Harrods to do the rest.

Harrod’s 2-Guinea Holiday Box.

1 lb. TEA

1 lb. COFFEE

1 Tin COCOA MILK and SUGAR

1 Tin CHEESE BISCUITS (Assorted)

1 Tin PEACHES

1 Tin PEARS

27oz.Tin APRICOT JAM

1 carton HONEY (N.Z)

1 Pint Packet JELLY

1 Tin CUSTARD POWDER

2 Tins SARDINES

1 Tin EVAPORATED MILK

1 lb. DATES

1 Bot. CHUTNEY (REAL INDIAN)

1 Tin PINEAPPLE (SLICED)

1 Pkt. DRIED EGGS (Spencer’s)

3 Tins SOUP (Assorted)

1 lb. APPLE RINGS

1 Tin SUGAR CORN.

How wonderful! Even without a servant, one could whip up a nice dessert for the kiddies in no time at all, using some of the ingredients provided.

Pearl Cream.
Make one pint of double strength lemon, orange, or pineapple jelly, and pour it over four crushed banans with pulp from pine, lemon, or orange. Pass through a sieve, and when cool stir in a little less than ½ pint top milk, thin cream, or evaporated milk. Turn into wetted mould or moulds and set. Any fruits at all may be used in this recipe. Gelatine crystals and fruit juice may be used instead of ordinary jellies, and the quantity of milk may be increased. Decorate with fresh fruit.
[The Times, July 6, 1938]

Quotation for the Day.

This recipe is certainly silly. It says to separate two eggs, but it doesn't say how far to separate them.
Gracie Allen