Tea Cakes

I was doing some research some time ago and stumbled across an interesting article on rootsweb.com. I had it bookmarked and just found it again today. The article is here. But this is what is says:

In my book, "The LEEs and KINGs of Virginia and North Carolina1636-1976" by Reba Shropshire Wilson and Betty Shropshire Glover, p. 90:"A most unusual part of the Revolutionary War was played by the women in Edenton, N.C., Oct. 25, 1774. It is the earliest known instance of political activity on the part of women in the American colonies. It has been called "The Petticoat Revolution," because in 1774, in the home of Mrs. Elizabeth KING, 51 ladies gathered for tea, to protest the British taxes and to sign a resolution to 'solemnly engage not to conform to that pernicious practice of drinking tea or ye wear of any manufacture from England until such time that all acts which tend to enslave this our native country shall be repealed.'

It is said that the rebellious ladies drank a beverage made of dried raspberry leaves. Mrs. Thomas BARKER served "Penelope BARKER" teacakes, and presided at the tea party.

The Elizabeth KING residence where the tea and protest signing was held, was located on the Edenton Green, near the beautiful Edenton court housewhich overlooks Albemarle Sound. A bronze teapot indicates the formersite of the King residence where the tea party was held."

"How to Prepare Penelope BARKER Tea Cakes:
1 quart flour
3 eggs
3/4 cup butter and lard mixed 2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

Beat eggs, add sugar, salt and soda dissolved in water. Mix flour,butter and lard, add to other mixture. Roll and cut. Then bake in hotoven."

I found it to be interesting that the women made a stand against the British tea tax as well. I liked the article, and I think it might be fun to make these teacakes at one of our reenactments since they don't seem that hard to make.

Believe me yours faithfully,
Rachel