[Sca-cooks] A Note on Steamed Puddings

[Terry Decker]

Since there was a bit of question on when doughs began being steamed rather 
than boiled, I can say that it occurred in Antiquity.  "Erneum" is a pastry 
similar to Cato's "placenta."  It was made in an earthenware jar which was 
boiled in a copper cauldron, a method similar to some of the later pudding 
recipes.  To extract the cake, the jar was broken.

This doesn't mean that the method was used in period, just that it was known 
before period.

The information is given in C. Anne Wilson's "I'll to Thee a Simnel Bring" 
from PPC 19, 1985.

Bear