The Kitchen
The Colonial Revival kitchen reflects the way an 18th century kitchen in a large, wealthy household may have been arranged. A large fireplace provided the fire for cooking and many utensils are arranged in and around the fireplace to reflect this. Tables provided a workspace and a place for the servants to eat. The Van Cortlandt's kitchen was most likely not in its present location in the basement. The present-day kitchen was created from an existing basement room c. 1917 at the same time other work was being done in the house. The original kitchen was probably located in an out-building near the house which may have been connected by a breezeway or covered walkway. The Caretaker's Cottage follows this pattern of connected buildings.
The kitchen tables are set up with implements commonly used in every-day 18th century household chores. The round chair-table (so-called because the top tilts up to form the back of a chair) is set with ingredients and implements used in the making of fish stew.
Among the utensils hanging from the rafters are two wafer irons. One is etched in decorative motifs incorporating a pineapple - symbol long associated with hospitality and the Colonial era. Wafers were a favorite treat and were often made hearth-side by young adults socializing. The following recipe from a booklet printed by the City History Club Committee of The Colonial Dames of the City of New York was submitted by Miss Louisa Zabriskie of Flatbush, a member of the Lefferts family.
Receipt handed down through four generations for the Waffles always to be had in Flatbush at any High Tea among the old families.
One Pound of Sugar.
One Pound of Butter.
One Pound of Flour.
Ten Eggs.
Bake in window pane waffle-iron and when slightly cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.