Crab Soup ~ 1908

Take 1 full grown chicken, cut it up in small pieces and put it, bones and all, into a gallon of cold water. Let it boil slowly until reduced to 2 quarts. Then strain it and return it to the pot adding 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper and a pod of red pepper. Take 2 dozen large fresh crabs, pick all the meat carefully and add to soup. Let it boil up and scald 1/2 pound of sweet butter rubbed with a tablespoon of flour. When it comes to a boil again add 1 pint of sweet cream and 1 pint of milk. Let it boil once and serve.