At this time of year, I like to make my vol au vents. For, the fire never be allowed to damp down completely in my oven. This be the time for to make meringues in summer; in winter 'tis a thrifty way to let it burn just a little higher a little higher for to cook pie & pastry cases. And to let us gather cosily before it to do our mending, or crafting, or story-telling. in winter. 'Tis also the time the Ladies Maids spend hours cleaning & pressing the endless mud & manure from hems of cloaks & and gowns & stocking soles. While the Bootboy, with a dull knife, hacks clods of chalk, and mud & excrement from boots and patterns alike, before ever he can polish them. It hath oft caused me to grin that what the Gentry eat and when is predicated by their Cooks & not by 'Tradition' - inasmuch as 'twere Cooks who forged the tradition! Now I know scores of receipts - not solely for meat and fowl and fish; but for possets and medicinals and ungent...