Breads/Biscuits Blue Ribbon Corn Cake

blue ribbon corn cake
(from Transactions of the Wisconsin State Agriculture Society, Blue Ribbon Winners at the Wisconsin State Fair of 1860)

Ingredients:

2 qt. indian corn meal
1 qt. Graham flour (whole wheat)
1 packet or cake yeast
1 c. molasses or sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt​

Instructions:

Two qts. Indian meal, 1 qt. Graham flour, 1 cup yeast, 1 c. molasses or sugar, 1/2 tea-spoonful soda, 1/2 tea-spoonful salt.​

​

First Place - Blue Ribbon Recipe by Mrs. H. W. Hayes, Palmyra, Wisconsin.​

 

[Fairfield]

Looks good! Is there anything special about "Indian Corn Meal"? Or will the ordinary type be ok?

 

[JOHN42768]

Instructions repeats the ingredients, any cooking time or temp.?

 

[CivilWarTalk]

Instructions repeats the ingredients, any cooking time or temp.?

Nope, that's all the state fair gave….

 

[Fairfield]

Instructions repeats the ingredients, any cooking time or temp.?

If it helps, here's a modern recipe: https://smittenkitchen.com/2021/06/perfect-forever-cornbread/

 

[donna]

Are there other state fairs at time that published recipes? This is a great find. I will have to check fairs out.

 

[Fairfield]

Are there other state fairs at time that published recipes? This is a great find. I will have to check fairs out.

My sister-in-law, who is practically professional in the kitchen, told me that the best cookbooks are often those small, community ones (because anyone who attaches his/her name to a recipe sure wants it to be good and because the directions are intended for actual users).

Of course, you really should try out these--you just have to eat your way across the country!

 

[donna]

I have some early Church cookbooks with old recipes. I have seen state fair recipes for winners of ribbons. But be great to find ones dating back to this time period.

 

[Fairfield]

I have some early Church cookbooks with old recipes. I have seen state fair recipes for winners of ribbons. But be great to find ones dating back to this time period.

Maine just put out a state-wide community cookbook in which some of the recipes go back to colonial days. Probably other states have done something similar so, if you're checking online, don't forget about going state-wide.

 

[JOHN42768]

If it helps, here's a modern recipe: https://smittenkitchen.com/2021/06/perfect-forever-cornbread/

Thank you