1870 to 1899 Cake #1

Woohoo, I made it to the next chapter in the book! Some major stuff happened from 1870 to 1899 that advanced the cake world in America. The Transcontinental railroad, which linked the two coasts was completed as well as the telegraph pole. Communication flourished, people were traveling more, and word of new recipes moved quickly. Chocolate companies such as the Baker Chocolate Co, Hershey's, and Ghiradelli were established.

The first cooking school was started by a woman named Mary Johnson in 1879 in Boston. It was named The Boston Cooking School and her star pupil, Fannie Farmer helped to develop the way that they taught. Recipes and measurements became more precise and ingredients were listed in order.

In the 1870's the lightbulb was invented! In 1895, the New York Times called electricity, "a veritable fairy godmother. Electricity is evidently to be the hope and dependence of the coming housekeeper." When it came to baking cakes, things got a lot easier:)

Mary Lincoln's White Almond Cake

Mary Todd Lincoln loved to bake. This cake was one of her favorites. Mary Baked it for Abraham Lincoln when they were courting, after they were married, and as the First Lady. This almond cake became a symbol of Lincoln after his assassination and could be found on inaugural and military banquet menus in the 1870's.

My mother is in love with any baked item with an almond flavor and that trait has for the most part been passed down to me. So it is almost not fair to judge this cake because we are so biased. We thought it was scrumptious! I am still not a fan of having to separate the egg whites and beat them and then fold them in, but that is just a part of baking. I see why Mrs Lincoln baked it so often, yum!