Spherical sweetmeats, known from advertisements throughout the 19th Century. It is possible that they are named after Admiral Horatio Nelson. (See also: Nelson Ball Pudding) Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) Known as a type of biscuit at least since an advertisment in the Morning Post on Wednesday 20 April 1803 for ‘E Russell, Bread and Biscuit-baker … the greatest variety of biscuits, Nelson’s balls, Dutchess of York’s biscuits…” But also known as the name for a type of boiled sweet. James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps’ ‘A Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, Obsolete Phrases‘ (v2 p574) of 1855 gives; “NELSON’S-BALLS. A globular confection, in great esteem with boys” and ‘A treatise on the art of boiling sugar‘ of 1865 by Henry Weatherley dscribes “Small Bulls Eyes and Nelson Balls: Are made for the boils as instructed for sticks either plain or striped the bulls eyes are cut with scissors and the balls are passed through the machines for the purpose” Original Receipt in the ‘The complete bread, cake and cracker baker‘ (1881) by Gill, J. Thompson NELSON BALLS 3 lbs flour 1/2 lb butter 1/2 lb sifted sugar Essence of lemon to flavor. Mix up very stiff with milk; place in a cloth for a half hour; break smooth with a biscuit break; mould into small balls about the size of a walnut; bake in a rather quick oven, and put in a warm place to dry. For other dishes associated with Lord Nelson, see: Grog Lord Nelson Sole Lord Nelson Veal Lord Nelson’s Cutlets Nelson Ball Pudding Nelson Balls Nelson Slices Nelson Squares Nelson’s Blood Lord Nelson Turkey |
MORE FROM Foods of England... Cookbooks ● Diary ● Index ● Magic Menu ● Random ● Really English? ● Timeline ● Donate ● Royalty ● English Service ● Food Map of England ● Lost Foods ● Accompaniments ● Biscuits ● Breads ● Cakes and Scones ● Cheeses ● Classic Meals ● Curry Dishes ● Dairy ● Drinks ● Egg Dishes ● Fish ● Fruit ● Fruits & Vegetables ● Game & Offal ● Meat & Meat Dishes ● Pastries and Pies ● Pot Meals ● Poultry ● Preserves & Jams ● Puddings & Sweets ● Sauces and Spicery ● Sausages ● Scones ● Soups ● Sweets and Toffee ● About ... ● Bookshop ● Email: [email protected] COPYRIGHT and ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: © Glyn Hughes 2022 BUILT WITH WHIMBERRY |