The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3647 — Restoring Rancid Fat
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3647 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Put fat into a kettle, cover with water and add a naturally occurring alkaline carbonate salt, at 1 zolotnik per pound fat.
Boil gently for half an hour while stirring constantly. Drain, cover with fresh water, add the same salt again and boil once more.
Wash in clean water afterwards to remove the alkaline material.
Historical editorial note: Rancid or spoiled fat cannot be reliably made edible by alkaline washing, and the unidentified historical alkali may be hazardous. This is archival documentation.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3647. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.