1930’s Depression Thrifty Cooking Views and How it Relates to COVID-19 Lock Downs

Red Pepper, Spinach, and Steak Dinner

At the historic farmhouse where I volunteer, I talk quite a lot about the foods they would have served during the 1930’s. 

During the 1930’s Depression, you made do with what you had in the kitchen.  You didn’t go out to buy any special ingredients.  The farm wife also did a lot of canning of foods anything from spaghetti to apple butter.  Nothing was wasted.  For example, out of bread crumbs you could make cookies.  Another cookie recipe  would use the chicken fat scraped off the top of chicken soup to make delicious vanilla sugar cookies.

I now seemed to be faced with the same dilemma trying to use up food products which are getting old so I don’t toss any precious food out.

 

If a chicken looked sick, the Depression era family would slaughter it and eat it before it died.

I don’t have any chickens, but I want to keep the same mindset to save on food so I don’t have to go out shopping as frequently.

Tonight, for example, I pan fried slightly withered red peppers along with wilted spinach.  Everything turned out great.  I also had some leftover baked beans which I served with today’s meal.

My husband mentioned to me that he used the ends of the bread, which I normally toss out, to make a peanut butter sandwich.

So, again, we are showing good old fashion values of thrift and getting through a difficult time.

 

Cannning Jars

Did you know that . . .

During the Depression, there was an Aunt Sammy Radio Show which gave homemakers tips for saving money and cost effective recipes she could serve to her family?

A 1930’s Tip was to Serve . . .

Wilted Dandelion Greens with a little Bacon Fat.

If you have any tips regarding saving or preparing food during hard times, please feel free to contact FARMHOUSE MAGIC BLOG and leave us a reply below: