Invalid Coffee. Mrs. S. A. Powers. Recipe

Invalid Coffee, also known as Healthful Coffee, is a unique beverage that has a fascinating history. This recipe was popularized by Mrs. S. A. Powers, an expert in hygienic cooking and author of the 1888 cookbook "Recipes Tried and True." The purpose of this recipe was to provide a nourishing and stimulating drink for individuals who were sick or recovering from an illness.

Now let's dive into the recipe itself:

Ingredients:
- 3 cups warm water
- 1 cup baking molasses
- Fresh bran (enough to moisten the mixture)
- 2 pounds mixed ground Rio and Java coffee
- 3 well beaten eggs

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for browning coffee. Mrs. S. A. Powers recommended using the same temperature as you would for regular coffee.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and baking molasses, ensuring they are well mixed.
3. Gradually add enough fresh bran to the mixture until it is moistened. Be careful not to make it too wet.
4. Spread the moistened bran mixture onto a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven. Brown the mixture in the oven, stirring occasionally, until it resembles the color of coffee. This process should take about the same time as browning regular coffee.
5. Once the bran is evenly browned, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. In a separate container, combine the two pounds of mixed ground Rio and Java coffee with the browned bran mixture. Mix them together thoroughly.
7. Finally, stir in the well beaten eggs, ensuring that they are evenly incorporated into the mixture.
8. Congratulations! You have successfully prepared about ten quarts of Invalid Coffee mixture.

FOR USING:
To enjoy a cup of Invalid Coffee, follow these steps:
1. Boil a cup of water in a kettle or pot.
2. Take one tablespoonful of the prepared Invalid Coffee mixture and add it to the boiling water.
3. Allow the mixture to boil for about fifteen to twenty minutes. This process will extract all the flavors and nutrients from the mixture.
4. After the boiling time, strain the Invalid Coffee to remove any residue, if desired.
5. Your comforting and nourishing cup of Invalid Coffee is now ready to be enjoyed!

Fun Fact:
Invalid Coffee gained popularity in the late nineteenth century as an alternative to regular coffee for individuals who were unwell. It was believed that the combination of browned bran, molasses, and coffee grounds, rich in nutrients and minerals, provided sustenance and helped in the recovery process.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed Invalid Coffee, you may want to explore other nourishing and healthful recipes. Some popular choices include:

1. Bone Broth: A rich, nutrient-dense broth made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues. It is believed to be beneficial for gut health, joint health, and overall well-being.

2. Herbal Infusions: Infusing herbs, such as chamomile, mint, or lemon balm, in hot water to create soothing and refreshing beverages known for their medicinal properties.

3. Golden Milk: A warm, spiced beverage made by blending milk, turmeric, ginger, and other spices. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often enjoyed before bed for a good night's sleep.

4. Ginger Tea: A simple, yet comforting tea made by steeping fresh or dried ginger in hot water. Ginger tea is well-known for its digestive benefits and can be customized with added honey or lemon.

Remember, these recipes are not only flavorful but also offer potential health benefits. So, don't hesitate to explore them and add them to your repertoire of nurturing and restorative dishes.