SC - OOP: REC :: OLD FASHIONED ELECTION CAKE

[Seton1355 at aol.com]

Whilst looking for Pilgrim recipes I came across this and even though it is 
oop I am sharing it anyway.
Phillipa

"Old-fashioned election cake is made of four pounds of flour; three quarters 
of a pound of butter; four eggs; one pound of sugar; one pound of currants; 
or raisins if you choose; half a pint of good yeast; wet it with milk as soft 
as it can be and be moulded on a board. Set to rise overnight in winter; in 
warm weather, three hours is usually enough for it to rise. A loaf, the size 
of common flour bread, should bake three quarters of an hour." 

The American Frugal Housewife, Lydia Maria Child, Boston, 1832. 

Modern method: 


1 cup yeast or 2 pkgs. yeast with 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon sugar 
3/4 cup butter 
1 cup sugar 
2 eggs 
7-8 cups sifted flour 
1/2 pound currants or raisins 
1 cup milk, or more 

If packaged yeast is used, mix water and sugar with yeast. 
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, beating after each addition. Add yeast and 
blend well. 
Stir in 4 cups flour and beat 1 minute. 
Combine currants or raisins with 3 cups remaining flour and add to rest of 
batter. Batter will be stiff and flour may need to be worked by hand. Add 
milk as required to make a soft yet kneadable dough. 
Sprinkle remaining flour on board. Knead for 10 minutes. 
Divide dough in half. Use 5-by-9 inch loaf pans or two 8-inch pie plates. Let 
rise in greased pans in a warm place for 3-5 hours or overnight in the 
refrigerator. 
Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes.