Sound Domestic Advice

During an online search for cocktail recipes from yesteryear, Felicia came about some domestic advice from the wise and socially graced Mary Randolph, who wrote The Virginia Housewife in 1860. Being a thoughtful and domesticated woman herself, Felicia felt compelled to pass some of Mary’s good advice on to you: “Early rising is essential to the good government of a family. A late breakfast deranges the whole business of the day and throws a portion of it on the next, which opens the door for confusion to enter. No work can be done till breakfast is finished. The grand arcanum of management lies in three simple rules: Let every thing be done at a proper time, keep every thing in its proper place, and put every thing to its proper use.” Felicia couldn’t have said it better herself. Mary continues with some lovely recipes, including ice cream, fruitcake and mock turtle soup of calf’s head. Alas, no tonics, bitters or cocktails. Felicia, as always, shall keep up her search. And since it is well after noontime, perhaps Felicia better have a little breakfast.