Victorian Christmas Spiced Beef Recipes

ENGLISH SPICED BEEF

Steps:

• Saltpeter is a necessary preservative when curing meat and also adds a pleasing red color otherwise the beef will turn out a murky grey.
• Rub the meat all over with the sugar and put it in a pot with a lid for 2 days. Leave it in a cool place, turning and rubbing the meat occasionally with the sticky liquor that develops.
• Crush the peppercorns, juniper and allspice with a pestle and mortar and mix with the salt and saltpeter.
• Rub this mixture well into the meat and leave it in the pot for a further 9 days. Turn the meat and rub the pickling mixture into the flesh daily.
• When the pickling is complete, remove the beef and rub off any excess spices adhering to the surface. Do not rinse it.
• Wrap the meat in cooking foil [the Victorians used suet] and put into a large ovenproof pot. Add about 10 fl oz water, cover the pot with a double layer of foil and fit the lid on tightly.
• Preheat the oven to 275 deg F.
• Bake the meat slowly allowing 45 min per lb.
• When the meat is cooked, remove the pot and set aside until it is quite cold.
• Unwrap the meat, drain off any excess liquid and place on a board.
• Cover with foil, put a weight on it and leave for at least 24 hr.
• Carve the meat into thin slices and serve with anything from good mustard to pickled kumquats.

IRISH SPICED BEEF

Steps:

• Mix all the flavorings and spices together.
• Place the beef in a large bowl and rub all over with the spice and flavoring mixture.
• Cover and refrigerate.
• Rub in the mixture once or twice a day for a week; turn the beef as you repeat the rubbing in process.
• The spices and flavorings will now be mixed with the juices drawn from the beef.
• Tie up the meat firmly and place in a large pot.
• Rub in a last teaspoon of ground cloves.
• Cover with cold water to which a bottle of Guinness has been added.
• Simmer gently for 6 hours.
• Allow to cool in the cooking liquid.
• When cool, remove from the cooking liquid, place on a serving dish and cover with a weighted plate.
• Refrigerate until serving time.
• Serve cold, thinly sliced.