Oh, the trials and tribulations of historic cooking! In our latest video, we attempted to recreate a classic recipe from 1805: Carolina Snowballs. And let me tell you, it was not as easy as we thought it would be.
As we delved into the recipe, we quickly realized that the ingredients and techniques used in the 19th century were quite different from what we are accustomed to today. But, undeterred, we pressed on, determined to bring this piece of culinary history to life.
The process was both challenging and enlightening. We had to source ingredients that are no longer common in modern kitchens, such as suet and pearl ash. And the techniques required, such as boiling and steeping, were a far cry from our usual methods of cooking.
As we worked through the recipe, there were moments of frustration and setbacks. But we persevered, learning from our mistakes and adapting as needed. And when we finally pulled those Carolina Snowballs out of the oven, despite their imperfect appearance, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
For us, historic cooking is not just about the end result. It’s about the journey of discovery, the connection to the past, and the appreciation for the ingenuity of those who came before us. So, even though our attempt may have been a fail in some regards, it was a valuable learning experience.
Join us on our culinary adventures as we continue to explore the rich tapestry of historic recipes. Who knows what challenges and successes lie ahead? But one thing is for certain, we will approach them with curiosity, determination, and a healthy dose of humor.
Watch the video by Early American
Video “Historic Cooking FAIL |1805 Carolina Snowballs|” was uploaded on 01/10/2025 to Youtube Channel Early American
none of the ingredients were vile, so the only 2 things I can think of is that you might have a texture problem ( I do) and some of the rice wasn't totally cooked ( the last two bundles) as there wasn't enough water to cover them. Plus you used snow instead of plain water. Air quality isn't the same as back then with pollution of today. So snow of today taste really different than what I used back in the 60's for real snow cones.
I do agree with other posters that your cloth bags are not tight enough. It is the form fitting tightness that compresses the rice/ pudding batter into the firm balls. P.S. If it was the rice being under cooked, you could have thrown the whole thing into another pan and finish cooking the rice into the butter wine sauce.
Maybe if you hang them in the bag to dry
I love all your videos and that you shared a receipt that didn't go perfectly!
Poor Justine, after making a face when she tasted the sauce I thought, UH OH! This isn't turning out as planned and, I thought she was going to cry there for a while. All in all she was worried about her husband not liking it.
You're a very good wife Justine, you prove each time you prepare a meal for you and your husband.
So sweet
Your man is very sweet.
Aw sweet Justine, at least they started good!
Thank you for showing us the fails and success. It makes your videos all the more enjoyable.
Snowball blizzard…lol
Butter and spice makes makes everything nice❤❤❤❤
That's what chickens are for: to eat the failures. Also did you add the yolks from the second version? If it's just apples, spices, and rice there's no binding agent to help hold them together (I also agree with @aliciaeakins2578, choke up tight on the cloth when boiling or steaming.) I had the problem trying to do a "pudding" cornmeal boil very frontier (as in they had no eggs unless you stole one from a wild bird) and I couldn't get the cloth tight enough to avoid crumbling.
I feel your pain ! My cooking produces more fails than successes. You are better than me! Lol
Rice with fresh fruit. Sounds like something is missing! How could it turn into anything truly edible without more ingredients?? The sauce doesn't even seem right. Too runny. Oh, well! Live and learn! Ron is so funny!
I wonder if you’re supposed to squeeze the cloth before opening it. Like to squeeze out the liquid.
I couldn't laughing at your body language!! You must be craving milk ?
Wishing you two the best of growth and happiness for 2025!
Made this before, and mine came out the same way
Tasted good but it didn’t make a ball
Ron!!!! Too much butter????? Like that’s possible
You didn't add the eggs!
Congratulations!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Carolina snowballs deconstructed 😆. You can explain that to him 😆.
I just love your videos and your expressions! Also very relaxing!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I wonder if the kind of rice they used back then for this recipe would have been different, i.e. stickier, than we use today. I'm thinking of Japanese onigiri, which uses a sticky rice. Would they have used a stickier kind of rice for this recipe than the long grain white rice we would think of today?
Ron is a wise man…better than my Mom’s. 😂😂 Congrats to you both on the arrival of your new little colonist. 😊
The second recipe looked like it would have been more successful because the rice is first vooked thoroughly in milk and then egg is added. That will definitely hold together better.
And then, your pudding cloth could be tighter and the filling more conpressed.
That second of the recipe probably tastes better too.
Certainly worth a second try!
난 이상하게 옛날 저 시대가 더 좋다~~
Your facial expressions 🤣! Reminded me of watching an old silent movie. Then here comes Ron eating it up like it was steak and lobster. You both gave me a much needed laugh.
Oh my gosh. I love your expression…. It's kind of how people look when I cook….
Some parts of Europe still cooks like this while its women wear the latest fashions! Hahahaha!
Take care in the snow get Ron to push you in the barrow haha
Good to see the guy again, you guys are funny together.
This was hilarious!🤣
Been waiting on the day to see a belly ❤ — been watching your channel for a while ! Congratulations ❤❤
I don't think you failed!! I bet they let them cool, and shaped them into balls maybe?
This one hurts my heart!! Carolina snowballs…. I’m in the Carolinas & we were anticipating 1-4 in snow and got nuuuuuthaaaaan but ice rain pellets! Me & the boys had plans! 😢
But your channel is always a happy place & I look forward to watching the chat & chew next! Looks delish as always! ❤
Love all your videos. Thank you
In addition to @aliciaeakins2578 suggestion about tying the cloth tighter, I also wondered what kind of white rice was used in the original receipt. Certain types of rice are stickier than others. I'd be interested to know if a specific type of rice was specified. I make an Italian dish called Arancini which is basically seasoned meat inside a ball of rice. The type of rice I use for this dish is Arborio, which when cooked is very sticky and holds together well around the ball of seasoned meat. But I give you an "A" for effort. I've read through a number of historic receipts and more often than not, the instructions and measurements can be vague. It's like trying to follow one of my great-grandma's recipes, with her pinch of this or a dollop of that. They are more of a general guideline of how to make a dish. While the original receipt called for you to boil this, I also wonder if they could have steamed it as well or the receipt said boil when it meant steamed. Anyway, love your channel and Ron is a great husband and a good sport when it comes to taste testing the dishes you make.
My take: the whole apple, cored, provided a structure for the 'snowball' and you removed that when you combined two recipes. You also needed to use a 'sticky' rice to form around the apples using the (tightly wrapped) cloths. I am sure that you noticed the need for more sugar and longer boiling to reduce the syrup. Anyway, this made for a fine 'domestic drama', complete with a diplomatic husband!
Don't worry, not everyone in 1850 knew how to cook, either…😂
You both are a hoot! Missouri for funny and entertaining
Love these videos. I have over 20 years of cooking experience. I love the learning blows life gives us. 😂 So i was reading the receipt and there's a part that says "tie them up close". The way you tied the cloth is way too lose. So in essence, the cloth is your mold, next time, roll it into an tight ball, nice and taught. You can double or triple the cloth.
Justine’s face says it all. The misery is real.
I’d add some eggs and cream, then bake it in a dish.
I dont understand how would people back then enjoy such weird recipes? Or theyre experimental or something and not that good for those ppl or they know how to make them? French had a lot of stuff tho