A pilgrimage to resource efficiency 

Great Depression

The Blogging Pilgrim

    Old world self-sufficiency in a new world … 

So much of our lives literally revolves around the kitchen. We eat all our meals together there, sharing the day’s challenges and successes. It served as the school room and the family room for playing games. Plans for the day and the future are discussed and solidified over food and drink. The bills get paid, records are kept and taxes figured there. Seeds are spread on the table while planning the garden and jars are sorted and filled there at harvest time. Quilts and clothes get cut and sewn on that table. Neighbors and friends are always welcome to share a cup of coffee and baked goods of the day. Wonderful memories reside in the kitchen while delightful new, little people come to add their chapters.

Potted Beef Balls

Otherwise called a meatloaf?
Meat had to be stretched in the 1930’s as much or more than any other food. This recipe was apparently used for sandwiches in the lunches that Great-great-aunt Jess packed everyday for the miners.

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Potted Shoulder of Lamb with Yellow Turnips

Happy St. Patrick’s Day
I thought I would find some awesome corned beef recipes since the sisters were of Scots-Irish decent. To my surprise, they used lamb far more often than beef. They raised sheep and were able to do the butchering themselves.

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Corn Pudding

We think of pudding as a sweet dessert but ‘back in the day’ they were made with fruit, vegetables, bread and/or eggs. I might call this pudding more of a quiche.

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Hungarian Goulash

Soups, stews and casseroles are the best ways to “stretch” meat. Adding vegetables and pastas creates bulk that absorbs and blends with the flavor of the meat. This recipe was obviously used in the boarding house but can easily be cut in half or even quartered for today’s smaller family.

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Apple Rice Pudding

There are six varieties of pudding: steamed, boiled, baked, souffle´, chilled and frozen, Generally speaking, the most popular puddings are the baked, chilled, and souffle´ in the order given.

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Farina Dumplings

These are very light and nourishing dumplings. Serve chicken fricassee in the middle of a large platter and make a border of the farina dumplings. Sprinkle the whole dish with very finely chopped parsley.

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Shortcake Served with Fresh Pears or Canned Fruit

When using pears in short cake, either fresh or canned pears may be used and should be chilled before use.
The body of a green pear is hard or very firm. They are good for baking, cooking, stewing, canning, etc. , but not ready for eating fresh or using in salads. The color of a ripe pear usually turns from green to yellow. The body of a ripe pear is tender and yielding. When ripe, pears are best chilled before serving.

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