Note: Isinglass is a kind of gelatin obtained from a fish. What the recipe omits, however, is how one would prepare the fish skin. You also find recipes that use egg whites and egg shells. Home winemakers will recognize both of these ingredients as fining agents to help clarify liquid.
Filters won’t come on the scene for another 30 or so years in the form of cloth pouches stitched tight. No doubt a woman thought of THAT one! I can just imagine her thinking, “You want me to do what with fish skin? I don’t think so…”
More Fun Discoveries
- Coffee Monday: Prefatory Matter on Coffee ~1856
- Prairie Chicken Recipe ~1886
- Salamanders: Not a Recipe ~1886
Source: Practical American Cookery and Domestic Economy, E. Hall, 1856.
Convivial Supper 
Very interesting indeed. In those days, people used to spend time thinking but these days we have stopped thinking coz everything is available!
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My automatic coffee maker is busy brewing! Here I sit typing – not a bad life!
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Your great-grandmother used eggshells when making coffee. Isenglass was used for windows, I think?
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Windows? Why would they need it for windows??
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