Discovering the Art of Making Raspberry Ice Cream in the 1890s at Naper Settlement, DuPage County

Step back in time with a fascinating video that showcases the intricate process of making raspberry ice cream in the 1890s, filmed at the historic Naper Settlement in DuPage County. This glimpse into the past reveals not only the culinary techniques of the era but also the challenges and sheer effort involved in creating what we now consider a simple treat.

The video has sparked a variety of reactions from viewers. One user humorously contrasts the past with modern conveniences, noting, "Remember how everyone says the past was a simpler time. F that. Can’t binge watch 4 seasons of Umbrella Academy and have ice cream." This sentiment is echoed by another who points out, "People are like 'I wanna go back to the good ol days!'"

The process of making raspberry ice cream in the 1890s involved several meticulous steps, from hand-churning for hours to the intriguing method of ice storage. One viewer poetically captures the essence of ice's role with the comment, "Beautiful! Powerful! Dangerous! Cold! Ice has a magic, can't be controlled. Stronger than one, stronger than ten, stronger than a hundred men! Ho!" Indeed, the storage of ice, often in barns, has left some viewers puzzled about how it remained frozen, prompting comments like, "I’ve always wondered how the ice doesn’t melt when it’s stored in a room temp barn??"

Several viewers also noted the omission of certain steps in the video. One pointed out, "Wait, you forgot the step of how to grow/make the sugar!" while another highlighted the laborious hand-churning process, "Uh, step 15: hand churning, takes around 4 hours. Maybe not gloss over that so much?" The addition of eggs in the recipe led to a culinary debate, with one user asking, "Adding eggs to this, wouldn't that be a frozen custard instead of ice cream? Still looks delicious."

The historical context and location also garnered interest. The mention of DuPage County and Naper Settlement led to a flurry of local pride and curiosity. Comments like "Where in DuPage County do they do this? This is cool" and "Wait DuPage County? Is this from Naper Settlement?!" were common. Local residents chimed in with remarks such as "Hey I live in that county" and "Aye, DuPage County represent!"

The video also inspired some humorous takes on the historical hardships. One user quipped, "Step 17: Die of typhoid," while another imagined a modern twist on the old-fashioned treat, "How much? $150 a scoop. Two, please."

For those intrigued by historical methods and local heritage, this video offers a captivating look at the past. It not only showcases the traditional techniques of making raspberry ice cream but also connects viewers with the rich history of DuPage County and Naper Settlement. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about old-world culinary arts, this video is a delightful and educational journey back in time.