"Remembering" My First Sandwich

[Hargis, G. 5 A-1]

Has anyone seen a reference to a sandwich or a listing of same in an American cookbook before Directions For Cookery, In Its Various Branches by Miss Eliza Leslie (Tenth Edition, With Improvements And Supplementary Receipts, 1840)?
I’m trying to see how far back in my persona’s past I could go for recollections of the first time I tasted a sandwich.

Mind you, I haven't seen the listing in Leslie's great work (Project Guteburg keeps bouncing my computer out after a few pages) BUT I have see notations elsewhere of a ham sandwich therein.

Glen E. Hargis

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: "Remembering" My First Sandwich

The Feeding America also has this book and many others and you can search by date, ingredient, book title and author

http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/cookbooks/index.html

Susan Armstrong Join us at 19centfood. :D

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/19centfood/

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: "Remembering" My First Sandwich

I found in The Cook's Own Book, By a Boston Housekeeper (Mrs. N.K.M. Lee) 1832, "Beef Pressed...It eats excellenty cold, and for sandwiches."

I did a double check. When I went to the Feeding America site and did a search, because it isn't an "ingredient" or the "name" of a recipe it didn't come up in a search. You have to read each recipe sometimes to find what you are looking for. I just happened to come across it while looking for something else.
Susan Armstrong

[BrownBlanketMess]

Re: "Remembering" My First Sandwich

If you go to whatscookingamerica.net one will find some interesting information pertaining to the sandwich. Just click on history of food and go to Sandwich History. As for Elizabeth Leslie's notation the site states:

"1840 - The sandwich was introduced to America by Englishwoman Elizabeth Leslie (1787-1858). In her cookbook, Directions for Cookery, she has a recipe for ham sandwiches that she suggested as a main dish.

'Ham Sandwiches - Cut some thin slices of bread very neatly, having slightly buttered them; and, if your choose, spread on a very little mustard. Have ready some very thin slices of cold boiled ham, and lay one between two slices of bread. You may either roll them up, or lay them flat on the plates. They are used at supper or at luncheon."


Steve LaBarre
Brown Blanket Mess
WIG

[Hargis, G. 5 A-1]

Re: "Remembering" My First Sandwich

I would be remiss if I failed to express my gratitude you fact-foragers for your service in this, my gastro-maniacal quest.
Thank you and bon appetite.