As someone who loves baking, having supplies delivered to my doorstep is a regular occurrence. However, a century ago, professional cooks relied on a similar service to stock their large country manor kitchens. Despite the many changes over the years, it’s interesting to see the similarities between how I order baking essentials today and how cooks procured ingredients in early 1900s England.
How Filling Our Pantries Have Evolved
In grand English country estates, sourcing baking supplies took careful planning and coordination since many manors were far removed from villages and shops. Thus, cooks couldn’t go into town to get extra flour or sugar. Instead, they worked closely with local merchants and farms to have fresh produce, dairy, and dry goods delivered regularly. Back then, cooks ordered by post or telegraph and deliveries of items like eggs, butter, and seasonal fruits arrived by horse and carriage. Similarly, I use e-commerce platforms like Amazon to order my baking supplies.
Both modern and historical bakers appreciate sourcing specialty items to elevate their dishes. While I look for exotic ingredients like matcha powder or edible flowers online, cooks of old sought rare imported flavours like vanilla from Tahiti and citrus from the Mediterranean to impress their guests. Another shared advantage is purchasing non-perishables in bulk for savings and convenience.
We Still Like to Buy in Bulk
As I take advantage of Amazon’s bulk prices on basics like chocolate chips, dried fruits, and nuts, country house cooks saved by buying flour and sugar by the barrelful, freeing them from rationing ingredients or weather-delayed orders. Of course, the convenience of modern online shopping surpasses Edwardian mail order in both speed and simplicity. With Amazon’s NextDay delivery, I can forget an item and still bake without delay. Cooks waiting on far-off suppliers had no such luxury. Still, it’s intriguing to ponder how cooks 100 years prior also valued the efficiency of having ingredients come to them. Although limited by the transportation of the times, they recognized the benefits of having a well-planned pantry.
The Goal is Still the Same: Best Supplies Delivered Reliably
With fewer trips into town required, more effort could be spent creating baked goods that wowed manorial guests. In many ways, faithful home bakers and professional cooks of the past had the same goal: access to the best baking supplies delivered reliably and cost-effectively. Though our means vary greatly, our shared passion for the baking arts transcends the ages. Whether shopping online or by mail order catalogue, there’s satisfaction in letting others handle the shopping so we can get right down to baking.
Amazon Gives you Everything you Need
Having Groceries Delivered is what I can always rely on. During the pandemic, it was an essential service, but now it is both a time and budget saver.
- Yupik: I love this brand for dried fruit, nuts and chips for the price, and the thick bags make great freezer bags.
- Deli and Prepared Foods: Plenty of delicious options are available to stock up your fridge.
- Food and Beverage Gifts: If you’re struggling to find a gift for your foodie friends, many options are available.
