Victorian Valentines Day

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 1:34 pm

Here is a recipe for "Victorian Gingerbread Valentines" I came across the other day:

"In Victorian times lovers declared their affections via words, songs, pictures and foods. One such food was gingerbread "life cakes" in the shape of hearts.

2 1/2 cups unsifted flour

2 t cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/3 cup dark corn syrup

1 large egg

In large bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.

Blend together margarine and brown sugar until smooth. Add corn syrup and egg; beat well. Add dry ingredients, about one-third at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Chill dough one hour.

Roll out half of dough on lightly floured surface to one-quarter-inch thickness. (Reserve other half for decorations or for a second batch of cookies.) Using heart-shaped cookie cutter, press out cookie shapes or use knife to cut around a pattern. Place hearts on cookie sheet. Decorate as desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Remove and place on wire racks to cool. Store in covered container. Makes about eight 4 1/2" cookies.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 4:55 pm

Did they have margarine in Victorian days?

Thanks Augusta!

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:28 pm

Yes, believe it or not, the Victorians had margarine, it was invented in 1869 by Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès of France.

From this site:

http://corporate.britannica.com/press/inventions.html

There are some beautiful Victorian lace paper Valentines on this site:

http://www.scrapalbum.com/svp.htm

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 5:41 am

Oh thank you!

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:00 pm

I would like to try out that recipe.Some links I found for a Victorian Valentines day.

http://pages.ivillage.com/joruss/v2.html

http://www.thecompletevictorian.homeste ... Links.html

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:30 pm

Some risque sexy French valentines...
And yes... they are old!

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:34 pm

This is just because I love it so...

I sincerely and truly hope everyone on this forum is either in love or about to be....

O la la....

Love is so very wonderful!

doug65oh · Post by **doug65oh** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 7:11 pm

Indeed, Auds. As Jackie Gleason used to say..."How sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet it is!!"

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 9:39 am

Well, I guess we can figure that Andrew Borden opted for margarine, then (if it was cheaper back then).

Here is a beautiful sight that has all free e-cards, many Victorian ones - good music, a large selection, and fabulous color:

http://www.angelhugs.net/

Totally cute Valentine, Audrey!

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 1:38 pm

Thanks for the site augusta. I sent out some really beautiful valentines day cards from there. I really liked it, I added it to my favorites.

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Sat Feb 12, 2005 10:58 am

Glad you enjoyed that site, Allen. I forgot to mention that they have tons of Thomas Kincade gorgeous e-cards. How they designed that site, where in one part there's all those Victorian people dressed up and you open the door - like to join them - was cool. Really puts you in the mood.
They don't skimp on the texts, either. Some real long poems in some of the cards. Amazing it's a free site.

snokkums · Post by **snokkums** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:55 am

thanks for the ginerbread recipe and those valtintines! Wish I had someone to give them too!!