I was wondering if anyone can tell me what heel-broth is? I was reading a book about Dr. Cream, when when I came across this passage, "To her he offered what he called an "American drink" - a term which, in the British Isles, has always been practically synonymous with heel-broth". The author goes on to state that " This is not unreasonable when one remembers the perversions of the cocktail which used to be offered at "American" bars in London and Paris". A quick search of the INTERNET for heel-broth took me to sight for soups. So now I am confused is heel-broth a soup or a cocktail? Any help the matter would be greatly appreciated
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Remember, back then a strong beef bouillon made from boiling whatever meat/cow parts one could get a hold of was called "beef tea", and served in cups to pregnant and anemic women to give them more iron...
I think this is a similar reference; the broth would have been served in a cup, rather than a bowl...
Article from the New York Times in 1880 on the benefits/uses of "Beef Tea"...
Last edited by cappuccina; 05-08-2010, 01:03 AM.Cheers,
cappuccina
"Don't make me get my flying monkeys!"
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Hi Doug.
Cappucina is correct. "Heel-Broth" is an old term for "Cow Heel Broth", created by boiling... you guessed it...Cow heels, hocks, that kind of thing.
It was often recommended for children and invalids. I saw a recipe book from the 1920's or 30's that still used the term; at first I wondered if they were talking about boiling shoe-leather!
I think I'd rather drink Hell-Broth.
Best regards,
ArchaicLast edited by Archaic; 05-08-2010, 02:01 AM.
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At least it wasn't head-cheese. Too disgusting to contemplate."What our ancestors would really be thinking, if they were alive today, is: "Why is it so dark in here?"" From Pyramids by Sir Terry Pratchett, a British National Treasure.
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I thank you all for your responses. It does seem strange to me that he could induce his victims to drink, what must have been, cold soup. Wouldn't it be easier to get his victims to drink some sort of alcohol? Though I suppose the fact that it was non-alcoholic might allay any suspicions that he might be trying to take advantage of them. He could also have used the ploy that he was a doctor and it was for medicinal purposes.
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Remember though for women in the East End who were near starvation and severely lacking in protein and were more than likely very anaemic as well, this would have almost been a treat....seriously....
This was one of the "extra rations" they gave the elderly, pregnant women and severely ill people in the work/poorhouses...Cheers,
cappuccina
"Don't make me get my flying monkeys!"
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