"Charles Gifford" > wrote in
nk.net:
>
> "Wayne" > wrote in message
> ...
>> (D. A.'Dutch' Martinich) wrote in
>> m:
>>
>> > In the Patrick O'Brian Aubry/Maturin novels about the British navy,
>> > toasted cheese is often mentioned as a late evening snack served in
>> > the captain's cabin. Yes, I know there is a food book written as a
>> > spin-off from the series, but I don't have it and neither does my
>> > library. Do any of Her Majesty's subjects out there know how it is
>> > actually prepared? (I would enjoy Manchego just like Killick!)
>> > Thanks,
>> > D.M.
>> >
>>
>> I haven't read the novels and don't have the food book, but it's very
>> likely that "toasted cheese" in that framework is much like Welsh
>> Rarebit.
>>
>> --
>> Wayne in Phoenix
>
> Haven't read the novels nor the cook book, but you reply anyway.
> Fortunately you are correct! <grin>
Hehehe... Well actually, Charlie, I did a little research before I
replied.
I really enjoyed your detail!
> Paraphrased from "Lobscouse and Spotted Dog", Grossman and Thomas:
> Toast soft bread or hard tack as available and place in a dish. Top
> with shredded or thinly sliced cheese and brown under a salamander. As
> with early cheese rabbits, the toast may be soaked with porter (the
> cheese may be sprinkled with mustard too).
>
> These books take place just after the turn of the century (19th) and
> toasted cheese is very much related to early recipes for cheese
> rabbits (rarebits). An early 18th century recipe for London Rabbit
> would be: Toast a 1/2-inch slice of country bread on both sides and
> put it on a heat-proof platter or dish. Soak the bread with as much
> porter as it will hold without becoming too soft. Top with thinly
> sliced or shredded Cheddar or similar cheese. Place under a salamander
> until the cheese is melted and browned. As with the toasted cheese
> above, the cheese can be sprinkled with ground mustard seeds. For a
> Cambridge Rabbit later in the 18th century, substitute sherry for the
> porter and Cheshire for the Cheddar.
>
> Charlie
--
Wayne in Phoenix
unmunge as w-e-b
*If there's a nit to pick, some nitwit will pick it.
*A mind is a terrible thing to lose.