To Roast Large Fowls

Source: Mary Randolph, 1824

History

This recipe appears as 'To roast large fowls' in Mary Randolph's The Virginia House-Wife, first published in 1824. It directs the cook to take the fowls once dressed, put them down to a good fire, and dredge and baste them well with lard; they take near an hour to roast. A gravy is made from the necks and gizzards, strained, and thickened with a spoonful of brown flour, then poured over the dished fowls, which are served with egg sauce in a boat. The record does not document who prepared the dish, where, or any social significance attached to it.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Take the fowls when they are ready dressed, and put them down to a good fire.
  2. Dredge and baste them well with lard; they will be near an hour in roasting.
  3. Make a gravy of the necks and gizzards, strain it, and put in a spoonful of brown flour.
  4. When you dish them, pour on the gravy, and serve them up with egg sauce in a boat.

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