To Clean Currants for Puddings or Cakes

Instructions

1. Put the currants into a cullender, strew a handful of flour over them, and rub them gently with the hands to separate the lumps, and to detach the stalks.
2. Work them round in the cullender, and shake it well, when the small stalks and stones will fall through it.
3. Next pour plenty of cold water over the currants, drain and spread them on a soft cloth, and press it over them to absorb the moisture.
4. Then lay them on a clean oven-tin, or a large dish, and dry them very gradually (or they will become hard), either in a cool oven or before the fire, taking care in the latter case that they are not placed sufficiently near it for the ashes to fall amongst them.
5. When they are perfectly dry, clear them entirely from the remaining stalks, and from every stone that may be amongst them.
6. The best mode of detecting these is to lay the fruit at the far end of a large white dish, or sheet of paper, and to pass it lightly, and in very small portions, with the fingers, towards oneself, examining it closely as this is done.