Kisses (1849, pre-Hershey)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

   A Valentine's Day Special.
   Hershey's has been making Kisses since 1907.  There are also Hershey's Hugs.  The web site (www.hersheys.com) also shows a Kissmobile for your kids.
   I'm copying the index to THE CULTIVATOR (Albany, NY).  Unfortunately, it's on the American Periodical Series only to 1865, and then it's in the NYPL Annex (soon to be stored off-site in New Jersey).  Under "Domestic Economy," there are many recipes.  THE CULTIVATOR is a nice publication that's pre-1880s/1890s TABLE TALK and AMERICAN COOKERY.
   From THE CULTIVATOR, March 1849, pg. 97, col. 1:

   TO MANUFACTURE KISSES.--Beat whites of three or four eggs to stiff froth; add one-half pound pulverized white sugar, and a few drops of essence of lemon.  Of this, drop a teaspoonful on white paper, and place on buttered tins, and dry in a moderately heated stove.  Cool and eat.

(What?  No chocolate?--ed.)