1850 Scotch Short-Cake Recipe perfect for "Thanksgiving-Day, Christmas or New Years."

I made this recipe as part of a Civil War Christmas display that will be part of a holiday timeline event going on this weekend at Graeme Park in Horsham, PA.  Our display will consist of a package from the home front for the soldiers. I chose this recipe for its seasonality being good for "Thanksgiving-Day, Christmas or New Years," and its ability to travel "in cold weather it keeps well and packed in a tin or wooden box may be sent many hundred miles..."

Not all foods held up the same in transit and people at home were advised not to send perishables to the soldiers. The United States Christian Commission bulletin in 1861 and 1864 advised that those wishing to help the troops send "eggs, sausages, bread or cakes,... jars of jellies and jams" packaged separately from the other goods sent. The bulletin also stated that soda biscuits, fresh and dried fruits, corn-starch, oatmeal, canned meats, white sugar and lemons were always welcomed items. This Short-cake recipe is perfect for mailing. It's flaky, spiced, and the zante currants, raisins made from champagne grapes, give it a holiday flavor. These would be perfect with cider or tea.  

Scotch Short-Cake

Ingredients:

- 1/2 Pound Raisins or Zante Currants
- 3 Cups Flour
- 1/2 Pound Butter
- 1 3/4 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- Sprinkle of Mace
- Citron (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter on the stove top or in the microwave being careful not to burn it, put aside. In a large mixing bowl mix flour, powdered sugar and spices. Add butter a little at a time. Once a dough is formed, mix in zante currants. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut into shape with cookie cutters. Butter a cookie sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes or until golden at the edges.  


Oatmeal Scotch Short-Cake

Ingredients:

- 1/2 Pound Raisins or Zante Currants
- 2 1/2 Cups Flour
- 1 Cup Oatmeal, ground
- 1/2 Pound Butter
- 1 3/4 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- Sprinkle of Mace
- Citron (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter on the stove top or in the microwave being careful not to burn it, put aside. In a large mixing bowl mix flour, oatmeal, powdered sugar and spices. Add butter a little at a time. Once a dough is formed, mix in zante currants. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut into shape with cookie cutters. Butter a cookie sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes or until golden at the edges.