New system of domestic cookery, formed upon principles of economy, and adapted to the use of private families

by Maria Eliza Ketelby Rundell

If raisinwine be much used, it would answer well to keep a cask always for it, and bottle off one year’s wine just in time to make the next, which, allowing the six months of infusion, would make the wine to be eighteen months old. In cider countries this way is very economical; and even if not thought strong enough, the addition of another quarter of a hundred of raisins would be sufficient, and the wine would still be very cheap.

When the raisins are pressed through a horsehair bag, they will either produce a very good spirit by distillation, and must be sent to a chymist who will do it (but if for that purpose, they must be very little pressed); or they will make excellent vinegar, on which article see page [116].

The stalks should be picked off for the above, and may be thrown into any cask of vinegar that is making; being very acid.

Raisinwine, without Cider.

On four hundred weight of Malagas pour one hogshead of spring water, stir well daily for fourteen days, then squeeze the raisins in a horsehair bag in a press, and tun the liquor; when it ceases to hiss, stop it close. In six months rack it off into another cask, or into a tub, and after clearing out the sediment, return it into the same, but do not wash it; add a gallon of the best brandy, stop it close, and in six months bottle it.

Take care of the pressed fruit, for the uses of which refer to the preceding receipt.

Ratafia.

Blanch two ounces of peach and apricot kernels, bruise and put them into a bottle, and fill nearly up with brandy. Dissolve half a pound of white sugarcandy in a cup of cold water, and add to the brandy after it has stood a month on the kernels, and they are strained off; then filter through paper, and bottle for use.

Raspberry brandy.

Pick fine dry fruit, put into a stonejar, and the jar into a kettle of water, or on a hot hearth, till the juice will run; strain, and to every pint add half a pound of sugar, give one boil, and skim it; when cold, put equal quantities of juice and brandy, shake well, and bottle. Some people prefer it stronger of the brandy.