Part 83 (2/2)
_Time_.--10 minutes;--rather longer, should the cutlets be very thick.
_Average cost_, 2s. 9d.
_Sufficient_ for 5 or 6 persons.
_Seasonable_ at any time.
THE DOWNS.--The well-known substance chalk, which the chemist regards as a nearly pure carbonate of lime, and the microscopist as an aggregation of inconceivably minute sh.e.l.ls and corals, forms the sub-soil of the hilly districts of the south-east of England. The chalk-hills known as the South Downs start from the bold promontory of Beachy Head, traverse the county of Suss.e.x from east to west, and pa.s.s through Hamps.h.i.+re into Surrey. The North Downs extend from G.o.dalming, by G.o.dstone, into Kent, and terminate in the line of cliffs which stretches from Dover to Ramsgate. The Downs are clothed with short verdant turf; but the layer of soil which rests upon the chalk is too thin to support trees and shrubs. The hills have rounded summits, and their smooth, undulated outlines are unbroken save by the sepulchral monuments of the early inhabitants of the country. The coombes and furrows, which ramify and extend into deep valleys, appear like dried-up channels of streams and rivulets. From time immemorial, immense flocks of sheep have been reared on these downs. The herbage of these hills is remarkably nutritious; and whilst the natural healthiness of the climate, consequent on the dryness of the air and the moderate elevation of the land, is eminently favourable to rearing a superior race of sheep, the arable land in the immediate neighbourhood of the Downs affords the means of a supply of other food, when the natural produce of the hills fails. The mutton of the South-Down breed of sheep is highly valued for its delicate flavour, and the wool for its fineness; but the best specimens of this breed, when imported from England into the West Indies, become miserably lean in the course of a year or two, and their woolly fleece gives place to a covering of short, crisp, brownish hair.
BROILED KIDNEYS (a Breakfast or Supper Dish).
724. INGREDIENTS.--Sheep kidneys, pepper and salt to taste.
_Mode_.--Ascertain that the kidneys are fresh, and cut them open very evenly, lengthwise, down to the root, for should one half be thicker than the other, one would be underdone whilst the other would be dried, but do not separate them; skin them, and pa.s.s a skewer under the white part of each half to keep them flat, and broil over a nice clear fire, placing the inside downwards; turn them when done enough on one side, and cook them on the other. Remove the skewers, place the kidneys on a very hot dish, season with pepper and salt, and put a tiny piece of b.u.t.ter in the middle of each; serve very hot and quickly, and send very hot plates to table.
_Time_.--6 to 8 minutes.
_Average cost_, 1-1/2d. each.
_Sufficient_.--Allow 1 for each person.
_Seasonable_ at any time.
_Note_.--A prettier dish than the above may be made by serving the kidneys each on a piece of b.u.t.tered toast out in any fanciful shape. In this case a little lemon-juice will be found an improvement.
[Ill.u.s.tration: KIDNEYS.]
FRIED KIDNEYS.
725. INGREDIENTS.--Kidneys, b.u.t.ter, pepper and salt to taste.
_Mode_.--Cut the kidneys open without quite dividing them, remove the skin, and put a small piece of b.u.t.ter in the frying-pan. When the b.u.t.ter is melted, lay in the kidneys the flat side downwards, and fry them for 7 or 8 minutes, turning them when they are half-done. Serve on a piece of dry toast, season with pepper and salt, and put a small piece of b.u.t.ter in each kidney; pour the gravy from the pan over them, and serve very hot.
_Time_.--7 or 8 minutes.
_Average cost_, 1-1/2d. each.
_Sufficient_.--Allow 1 kidney to each person.
_Seasonable_ at any time.
ROAST HAUNCH OF MUTTON.
[Ill.u.s.tration: HAUNCH OF MUTTON.]
726. INGREDIENTS.--Haunch of mutton, a little salt, flour.
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