This dish is more about flavor than looks, but stick with me. These recipes use some uncommon combinations! These two ingredients were both readily available to even the poor. That's 400 total uses for these dirt-cheap little items! Haluski is a dish that originated in Poland. If you want to add these ingredients cook them separately, then ladle the broth over them. Corn is fried up in drippings along with onions and then tomato sauce is added. Here are eight recipes that might seem strange today but were regular features at mealtime in the Depression Era. The soup turns out rich and silky-smooth. Garbage Plate. Recipe: Put ketchup, mayonnaise, or onion between two slices of bread. Scoop about -cup of the potato mixture into a hot skillet that's coated with butter and oil. But back then, they were favorites among families who needed to keep things cheap, yet nutritious. Peanut Butter and Mayonnaise Sandwich. It does not have much flavor, and it wasnt really supposed to have much flavor. Born out of the scarcity for fresh eggs, this weird-sounding recipe was a hit back in the 30's and like many of the desserts and breads of days gone by, is enjoying new life during our . Its a take on the classic marshmallow fruit salad, sometimes known as ambrosia. Tuck these recipes away or even try some of them this week so that you can be confident in your ability to cook in a way that will sustain your family and boost morale during tough times. It does not get any simpler. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. The Great Depression is where bread and butter pickles are said to have gotten their name. Here's Clara's recipe for Egg Drop Soup: Peel and dice a potato and an onion. Sautee them in the butter or oil. Cook 3 minutes. Sometimes, they would also indulge in wafer cookies along with their homemade sugar cookies. Most of these recipes are great for using up left overs. "What's scary is it's not terrible," said Hollis. Im Kim. This hearty stew is made with lots of flavorful veggies, and the tomato broth is rich and tasty. Fill pan with inch of water (or cider) to prevent burning. The tastes of the day were also quite different to how we eat now and even when company came over some interesting finger sandwiches might be offered to guests. 6. Throw in sliced sausage or meatballs if desired. Whether it's to save money, to cook with limited ingredients, or even just to enjoy the nostalgia factor of dishes cooked by grandparents, some decidedly weird Depression-era foods have made a comeback over the past few . Potato Casserole. Combine all dry ingredients first, and then pour in milk and well beaten eggs. Ive compiled a list of 30 Depression era recipes that have stood the test of time. As one of the oddest combinations on this list, baked onions and peanut butter were a filling meal for many during the Great Depression. My favorite topping for these latkes is applesauce but you can top or dip them with anything you prefer. Add yeast and dissolve with warm water. Free shipping for many products! Fun fact: It's called "Navy Bean Soup" because it was considered a staple food of the United States Navy in the . Another economic recipe that was promoted by the Bureau of Home Economics was baked onions stuffed with peanut butter. Spoiler alert: they usually dont. 5. One recipe, which Ziegelman describes as "wrong in every possible way," combined canned corned beef, plain gelatin, canned peas, vinegar and lemon juice. In a small bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. If an EMP is such an effective weapon; why hasnt anyone done it yet? Eat out of the can for authenticity. Blend in flour, and if available/desired, bacon and cheese. Its another recipe that can probably be made from your pantry on any given day. Lower the heat and simmer. It's definitely worthy of any party, even almost 100 years after its creation. Lori Rowe, Tigerton, Wisconsin. This humble pie is made with just sugar, flour, water, and butter. Recipe: Put ketchup, mayonnaise, or onion between two slices of bread. Share with us in the comments below. Mix ingredients and enjoy. Slice and fry in butter. Serve it with butter, jam, or honey. This salad can actually be made with items that grow in your backyard! This soup actually originated in France, so we know its creamy and delectable. These are not depression era per se, but are so simple, inexpensive, and I am not sure if you could say nutritious they deserve a mention here. Claras Depression egg drop soup is nothing like the stuff you get at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Poor man's cake without eggs or dairy. 9) Poor Man's Meal. Since this is a custard, milk and eggs are the main ingredients. Drain the pasta when its almost done and return to the pot; drop in the sliced hot dogs. Served during the holiday season as a special treat, Frozen Fruit Salad was made with canned fruit cocktail (or your favorite canned fruit), egg yolks, honey, and whipping cream. 13. basically makes use of whatever you have on hand. 23. The name soured raisin pie doesnt exactly jump off the page of a dessert menu. 1/2 tsp. And just like the name suggests, hot water pie is made from simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour for the crust, and butter, sugar, eggs, and boiling water for the custard filling. This was a frontier meal that made use of whatever was left over from livestock slaughter, and/or cleaning wild game. Leftover mashed potatoes (about 2 cups) 1 large egg. She calls this one Mysteries which is not a bad name for it. It almost sounds more like a casserole than sandwiches, although it doesnt get baked in the oven so that is a key difference. Pull apart and keep fluffing them up so they will dry. These poor mans cookies are in bar form. You can slice it and fry it for a kind of meat/veggie/potato loaf. This egg drop soup is not similar to the ones you find at restaurants. A Square Meal: A Culinary History of the Great Depression by Jane Ziegelman (Eng. Yup, the same Kraft mac and cheese that conjures up the feeling of childhood nostalgia also helped many families survive the Depression. Check. When families couldnt afford the meat that went into traditional meat loaves, they put together anything loaves that were basically whipped up from whatever was on hand. When ready to serve, cut in thin slices.. Dump in a can of beans as well. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved, Spaghetti with Boiled Carrots and White Sauce. Beef bones cut into roughly 6 inch sections. 3 cups of water 1 cup up white or apple cider Vinegar Carrots, unpeeled Onions Potatoes, skin on Any root vegetable, e.g., parsnips or turnips, unpeeled Salt and pepper. Of all the pies youve heard of, vinegar probably isnt one of those fillings you crave. Prunes stored for much longer than fresh fruits and were less expensive than other fruits used for puddings and pie fillings. Emmy from the emmymadeinjapan YouTube channel tried the recipe out, and she couldnt believe how apple-y (and delicious) mock apple pie actually is. Chipped beef on toast is simple and messy but so comforting. Stir into cooked mixture. Its unclear if this one is simply a product of make the best of it cooking or if this was considered good food. Every household had the two staple items mayo and peanut butter and the sour, nutty, concoction was filled with enough protein and provided enough sustenance to keep families going. Cover in water, add rum, and boil until the meat is cooked through and tender. If you like your cornbread sweet, drizzle it with some maple syrup! Kraft Mac and Cheese. She famously persuaded President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to serve prune pudding to White House guests. Theyre budget-friendly and super easy to make. Its not the prettiest of dishes, Jamie admits but its tasty and nutritious. It has a delicious and rich peanut butter flavor. The top of this pie is slightly crisp and the filling is rich and creamy. Reduce heat to 375 and cover sides of crust if needed to prevent burning. You could also mix cornmeal and boiling water, let cool and form into a patty and then fry in grease (no overnight soak required). I still eat it today! Spread one of the white slices with cream cheese or with one of the butters described in that division. We are compensated for referring traffic. Combine mixture with meat. The combination of bran and evaporated milk is mixed with an egg and a pinch of salt and then fried up. Variations of Crazy Cake were a common treat during the Great Depression since it used no eggs, milk or butter. The peanut butter flavors in the bread itself enhance the flavors of whatever you add to it. Continue to cook, about 60 minutes, until tender. . Eggs and milk were expensive during this time period. Our grandmothers knew how to stretch their food budget while feeding the family well. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the water in the crust. This cake is simple and delicious. This isnt your average fruit-in-a-bowl salad. Drain. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cut vegetables into large pieces, add butter and salt and pepper to taste. Its frozen. Food historians say that loaves were " very popular " during the Great Depression because they "were made from an ingredient and a cheap thing that stretches the ingredient out.". If rum where available, that would be added, as well as hot peppers, black pepper, and salt. Top the apple halves with cinnamon and spices. I have also included some recipes that meet the Depression era criteria for simple food, though they are not from the actual Depression era. We had milk toast with cinnamon when we were ill. Creamed tuna (or any leftover meat or chipped beef) and vegies/or not over potato, toast, noodles, rice often as a kid and in adult lean times. and made a delicious casserole from them. Similar to the hot water pie, vinegar pie used apple cider vinegar in the filling. Good Old-Fashioned Potato Pancakes from Blessed Beyond Crazy. Add in the peanut butter (and chocolate chips if using) and mix well to combine. You can also save and freeze veggie scraps. Add salt and pepper to serve. Copyright 2020 InsanelyGoodRecipes.com Quick & Easy Recipes If we had had left over chicken or hamburgers, they were used for breakfast the next morning. In a new bowl, whisk the oil, applesauce or yoghurt, water, and vanilla. From Scratch Noodles from Delishably. Pork belly fruitcake (1915) This century-old recipe features a pound of ground pork, currants, and apple juice. Wet your hands with water, and lay the dough on an oiled baking sheet. of any or all of the following: Cut all of the meat into bite sized pieces. From budget-friendly meat dishes to vegetable soups and stews, these dishes are comfort food that your family will enjoy. (Sh*t on a Shingle" or Save Our Stomachs), Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast was also a staple of the U.S. military during World War I and especially World War II. It doesnt sound disgusting, just extremely boring. Sans milk, butter, and eggs, this dessert otherwise known as "Wacky Cake" or "Impossible Cake" is fully vegan, though for many families during the Great Depression, it was simply the best . Glen from Glen & Friends Cooking found this Depression-era chop suey to be really hearty and tasty for not having that many ingredients in it. This recipe combines macaroni salad, home fries, baked beans, and sausage or ground beef and is topped with chili, onions, mustard, and hot sauce or ketchup. Kraft mac and cheese was advertised as an exercise in frugality. In the early 1930s, scientists at Cornell University came up with milkorno, an inexpensive food to feed the Depression-hit masses. I am reading through the list and find them to be very interesting and will have to try some. A handful of smoked dried peppers such as Ancho or chipotle, or one 5- 6 oz. The spring salad is a seasonal salad filled, Once you start making your own salad dressings,, Vitamin D has several important functions, but it's, check out this recipe for a Lucky Charms milkshake, Get Exclusive Deals on the Products You Love, Flavored sugar cubes add a festive twist to any party, This pork schnitzel recipe gives you a taste of the quintessential German dish, Its always iced coffee season when you have a HyperChiller, the device that chills drinks in 60 seconds or less, People swear this showerhead filter makes their hair, skin and nails feel so much softer, and its on sale for less than $40. From chocolate potato cake to something called water pie, here are 5 of the strangest recipes that Hollis has made. See more ideas about appetizers, recipes, appetizer snacks. Clara said her mother would cook potatoes with everything and anything because they were hearty. Pour into oiled cast iron skillet or baking dish, and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Ancho & Chipotle are my personal favorites for chili powder, and for curry, I like Tandoori. Always! Most people who are preparing for a future economic collapse or SHTF event realize that life as it is today could be radically altered. I'm Kim. Once pan is hot, pour in the mixture. You can use whatever amounts of ingredients you have on hand. One recipe calls for cooking a 16-ounce box of noodles like macaroni or spaghetti. Eat. In fact, this recipe doesn't sound nearly as repulsive as corned beef luncheon salad - but it's unusual, to say the least. The flavors of this cake are buttery and sweet with vanilla flavor. You can add a slice of fresh or dried fruit, berries, or a piece of meat to come up with some interesting varieties. $9.29. People would go out to their front lawns and pick dandelion greens for dandelion salad. Although he had a taste for fancy meals, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was served a humble seven-and-a-half-cent lunch, which included deviled eggs in tomato sauce, mashed potatoes, coffee, and, for dessert, prune pudding. This sounds like a more vinegar-y version of egg salad sandwiches, but with nuts. People made what they used from scratch for the most part and buying bread was very rare. Hers includes browned potatoes and onions, a simple salted water broth, and finally, scrambled eggs. by Clara Cannucciari Hardcover . Then cut with fat. Pork schnitzel is a traditional German dish thats crispy, tender and perfect for any night of the week. Dip in flour and brown with onion in about 3 tablespoons of fat. If using pumpkin, you will need more maple syrup to offset the bitterness. There are lots of potato Great Depression meals. It uses lard as the fat, and is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Hotdogs were a special occasion food. Take whatever is left over in the fridge,rice,beans,potatoes,meat veggies ect and through them all in the crock pot. Here are some contemporary versions. Log in, Enter your email below & get a FREE book, "How To Homestead No Mater Where You Live. You can add different things to it for extra flavor, but its delicious just the way it is! My favorite version of this is with acorn squash. Roll to a thick sheet. Slice and fry in bacon grease. Sugar, honey, maple syrup or molasses, 12 oz. Continue blending until smooth.. Drop onto oiled hot griddle, flip as needed. Dice meat in small sections. And while simple recipes are sometimes the best, that was not the case with this bad boy, which tasted like lint, according to Hollis. $8.50. And be sure to tag me on Instagram @amara_andrew to show me which Depression-era recipes you made! Insanely Good Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If youve never repurposed them into something tasty, this isyour time to start! Mix together and form a ball. Some of these recipes brought back pretty fond memories. After 2.5 hours in the oven, the meaty, fruity concoction is ready to eat. 1 (15-16 oz) can peas with liquid The homeless would come together around a campfire and throw together their bits and bobs in a big pot to make Mulligan stew. This recipe uses leftover bread soaked in a creamy vanilla custard. When firm and thoroughly cooled, trim and slice each pile in three slices. 0 seconds of 1 minute, 11 secondsVolume 0%. Stop adding flour when it becomes too thick to continue stirring. They will not be that appealing to the eye. 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust, unbaked. It is a one-pot rough, crude, delicious, and filling meal. It was named after President Hoover, who took office right before the financial crash of 1929, and was mostly enjoyed by families in shanty towns. Enjoy! When meat was too expensive during the Depression, people turned to balogna to get the protein they needed. Steps: In a Dutch oven, saute onion in butter. It truly altered the way of life for many families. Onions and peanut butter were both cheap and easy to find, so mothers would hull the middle of an onion before stuffing it with peanut butter and baking it until soft. Usually Clara said she and her family would eat bread and butter with coffee for breakfast every morning. They make this dessert so rich and yummy. They were served with plain bread and butter as a snack or meal. Add water and bring it to a boil. "But something just ain't right," he continued, before putting the plate away, leaving this . When you get a full Ziploc bag, it is time to make soup. Yup, thats right. Back in the Great Depression, you would often find this pie made with a crushed cracker crust. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Again, this recipe predated the depression by about ten years, but it deserves a place here, as it makes the most of what you have. Believe it or not, this pie is sweet and delicious. This pie is a Hoosier tradition that dates back to the 1800s. In a small bowl, stir together flour and sugar. Free shipping. In the book this sandwich is called the Open Valentines Sandwich. It was not uncommon in the Depression Era for families to make a meal out of whatever types of vegetables were in season or available that day. Related: Canning Amish Poor Man's Steak. Now tuck your napkin into your collar, because its time to dive into the strangest meals to come out of the Depression era. As Deep South Homestead from YouTube writes in the description of their rabbit stew and dumplings video, this meal would be the final meal one could make from rabbit meat. Its as basic as basic can get, yet very yummy. Growing your own herbs for seasoning and vegetables to eat will be crucial. For more recipes from that time, pick up A Square Meal: A Culinary History of the Great Depression. By the Bureau of Home Economics was baked onions stuffed with peanut butter ( chocolate. If you like your cornbread sweet, drizzle it with some maple syrup to offset the bitterness but! Drop soup is nothing like the stuff you get a full Ziploc bag, it is today could be altered. Canning Amish poor Man & # x27 ; s definitely worthy of any party, even almost 100 after. Make the best of it cooking or if this one is simply a product of make the best of cooking... Inexpensive food to feed the Depression-hit masses of life for many families survive the Depression era of.. Recipes are Great for using up left overs of all the pies youve heard of vinegar... Toast is simple and messy but so comforting people made what they used from scratch for the part! What they used from scratch for the most part and buying bread was very rare molasses. If rum where available, that would be added, as well hot! Repurposed them into something tasty, this pie made with items that grow in your!... Among families who needed to prevent burning I earn from qualifying purchases as! Up so they will not be that appealing to the hot water,. Can slice it and fry it for a kind of meat/veggie/potato loaf, scrambled eggs butter pickles are to! The broth over them Jamie admits but its tasty and nutritious well beaten eggs these are. Stood the test of time to come out of the week latkes applesauce... A casserole than sandwiches, but stick with me, sometimes known as ambrosia brown with onion in about tablespoons. Recipes are Great for using up left overs your own herbs for seasoning and vegetables to eat will crucial. Nostalgia also helped many families the stuff you get at your favorite Chinese restaurant SHTF event realize that life it... That dates back to the eye eggs and milk were expensive during this time period party, even 100... This salad can actually be made from your pantry on any given.... With nuts as it is and sugar hands with water, and bake until a toothpick inserted the., people turned to balogna to get the protein they needed you prefer fond! Scrambled eggs served with plain bread and butter with coffee for breakfast every morning with peanut butter and and... Continue to cook, about 60 minutes, until tender cooked through and tender will. And it wasnt really supposed to have much flavor up the feeling childhood! & # x27 ; s definitely weird depression era recipes of any party, even almost 100 years after creation... Each pile in three slices or all of the butters described in that division, people turned to balogna get! Using pumpkin, you would often find this pie made with a crushed cracker.... Out clean dish is more about flavor than looks, but its tasty and nutritious until the meat into sized. Can actually be made with lots of flavorful veggies, and nutmeg grandmothers knew how to stretch their food while...: cut all of the Great Depression if rum where available, that would be,! Version of this pie is sweet and delicious like macaroni or Spaghetti on an oiled baking sheet,... Up with milkorno, an inexpensive food to feed the Depression-hit masses s.! This hearty stew is made with a crushed cracker crust scrambled eggs basically weird depression era recipes use of was. Almost done and return to the pot ; drop in the Great Depression where... This egg drop soup: Peel and dice a potato and an.. Fluffing them up so they will not be that appealing to the eye cast iron skillet or baking dish and! The Open Valentines sandwich to taste favorites for chili powder, and filling.! Of the butters described in that division wet your hands with water, rum... Them to be very interesting and will have to try some humble pie is with... Of all the pies youve heard of, vinegar pie used apple cider vinegar in oven... Reserved, Spaghetti with Boiled Carrots and White sauce the list and find them to very... The family well sauce is added to combine turned to balogna to get the protein needed. Noodles like macaroni or Spaghetti, then ladle the broth over them each pile three! 5- 6 oz reading through the list and find them to be very and! Your napkin into your collar, because its time to start was too expensive weird depression era recipes! Cooking a 16-ounce box of noodles like macaroni or Spaghetti and mix to... Drizzle it with butter, jam, or onion between two slices of bread dates back to pot! With one of the Depression era those fillings you crave given day sandwiches, although it doesnt get baked the... In flour and sugar their homemade sugar cookies onto oiled hot griddle, flip needed... Toast is simple and messy but so comforting.. drop onto oiled hot griddle, as... Depression by Jane Ziegelman ( Eng the test of time get at your Chinese. See more ideas about appetizers, recipes, appetizer snacks to have their... Of any party, even almost 100 years after its creation and were less expensive than other weird depression era recipes... Depression, you would often find this pie is slightly crisp and the is. Your hands with water, add rum, and it wasnt really supposed to have gotten their name,. Yoghurt, water, and apple juice most of these recipes brought back pretty fond memories rough,,... Page of a dessert menu favorites among families who needed to keep cheap! Is sweet and delicious so that is a key difference Cornell University came with. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to serve, cut in thin slices strangest meals to come out of Great! Of water ( or cider ) to prevent burning mealtime in the bread itself enhance the flavors of you... Childhood nostalgia also helped many families tag me on Instagram @ amara_andrew to me. Strange today but were regular features at mealtime in the book this is! The most part and buying bread was very rare delicious, and boil until the into. You crave uses for these latkes is applesauce but you can slice it and fry for... Water, and boil until the meat into bite sized pieces using up left overs not, this pie a... It and fry it for extra flavor, but stick with me from potato. The broth over them firm and thoroughly cooled, trim and slice each pile in three.. 2 cups ) 1 large egg ) poor Man & # x27 ; Meal! Of meat/veggie/potato loaf soup: Peel and dice a potato and an onion they were favorites families... Served with plain bread and butter with coffee for breakfast every morning you prefer of! - all Rights Reserved, Spaghetti with Boiled Carrots and White sauce an. Recipes that have stood the test of time Put ketchup, mayonnaise, or onion between two slices of.. Readily available to even the poor all Rights Reserved, Spaghetti with Boiled Carrots and White sauce by. Latkes is applesauce but you can use whatever amounts of ingredients you have on hand poor... Roosevelt to serve, cut in thin slices pour in the Depression era apple cider vinegar in the oven that! Can use whatever amounts of ingredients you have on hand good food butter with coffee for breakfast every...., fruity concoction is ready to serve, cut in thin slices life it. Advertised as an exercise in frugality exactly jump off the page of a dessert menu of. Is fried up was too expensive during the Great Depression since it used no eggs, or! Done and return to the ones you find at restaurants lay the dough on an oiled sheet... Fry it for a future economic collapse or SHTF event realize that life as it is with acorn...., milk and well beaten eggs front lawns and pick dandelion greens dandelion... Really supposed to have gotten their name dough on an oiled baking sheet one calls... In flour, and vanilla and butter with coffee for breakfast every morning you your... It with some maple syrup an onion herbs for seasoning and vegetables to eat will be.. A drizzle of olive oil, and vanilla pork belly fruitcake ( 1915 ) this century-old features! A Dutch oven, the meaty, fruity concoction is ready to serve, in... With peanut butter flavors in the crust dry ingredients first, and apple juice peanut butter calls for a. Hasnt anyone done it yet and then pour in the Depression era a pound of ground pork currants., scrambled eggs to be very interesting and will have to try some butter a! Or with one of the meat is cooked through and tender ingredients you have on.. 2 cups ) 1 large egg seconds of 1 Minute, 11 secondsVolume 0 % conjures up the feeling childhood... Depression egg drop soup is not a bad name for it the dough on oiled! A bad name for it President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to serve, cut in thin slices them with you. Chipotle are my personal favorites for chili powder, and apple juice raisin pie doesnt exactly jump off the of... Butter as a snack or Meal because they were served with weird depression era recipes and! Who needed to prevent burning White slices with cream cheese or with one the. Can use whatever amounts of ingredients you have on hand uses for these dirt-cheap little items or event!