Christmas Traditions: 1848

Servants, field and domestic, had a holiday at Christmas, some several days. Extra foods were provided. They roasted meats and root vegetables, made Hoppin' John and Hoe Cakes. Each was given a trinket made by the ladies of the plantation. Their festivities included music and dancing.

In the big house, the religion of the day prevailed. Many conservative households -- common in New England; rare in the South -- did not accept any music but hymns and in many cases dancing was prohibited.  This was true on all occasions in the Polk White House.



Hoe Cakes

Three spoonfuls of hominy, two of rice flour, a little butter and milk sufficient to make it soft. bake on a hoe over glowing coals or on a heavy pan in the oven.

Alternate recipe from 1870: To one pound of flour rub in well three quarters of a pound of butter and one teaspoon of salt. Beat the yolks of two eggs well; pour into the eggs half a tumbler of sweet milk; stir them well together; wet up the four with it to a rather soft dough; use more milk if necessary. Handle the dough lightly, and very little. Roll into round cakes; prick them with a fork; bake in a moderately hot oven.




Hoppin John

Cow peas or black eyed peas cooked together with brown rice
and any additional combination of
bacon or ham
garlic
onions
salt and pepper

Fry bacon and or ham and remove. Saute garlic and chopped onions.Combine drained rice and beans  and add vegetables and reserved bacon or ham. Season and simmer together to blend flavors.