K. Walters at the Sign of the Gray Horse: Hearth Cooking at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown in Beaverdam, Virginia

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Hearth Cooking at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown in Beaverdam, Virginia

Photo by Troy Corbett

One of my favorite sites to hearth cook is Patrick Henry's Scotchtown. Located in Beaverdam, Virginia - very near Ashland - it is nestled in a rural area and on the edge of a small development of homes. I've been asked by the 1st Virginia Regiment every year to come take part in their Revolutionary days.

Patrick Henry sold Scotchtown about March 1778 to Wilson Miles Cary for £5000. The danger of British attack in the Tidewater greatly enhanced the price of land in Hanover, and many fled from the possible impending war.

We interpreted 1780 inside the house. Mrs. Mary Cary Ambler and Sarah Cary Fairfax were visiting, and had an unexpected visit by Thomas Jefferson! Mr. Cary (on the right) was most honored.

I was lucky to be able to hearth cook again in their kitchen house, and made bread pudding. Lynn Price prepared Ginger Cakes (cookies) in my tin baker so we could serve them for tea in the main house.

Checking on the bread pudding

Lynn holding up her amazing Ginger cakes - still baking

The tea table looked lovely with all of the wonderful things to eat (well it is 1780 so not much available but we made due). The main staple was bread and butter - of course. We added strawberry preserves, Virginia ham, shortbread small cakes, pecans, and candied ginger. The tea available was chamomile, and there were spirits to drink from peach cordial and Madeira. As you can see, the troops have already reached the area outside the window, including two dragoons. Mr. Cary did invite the commander of the Continental troops inside for a dish of tea. He accepted.