This meal wasn't very different from having ham and scalloped potatoes, but it was much easier!
The Leeks and Potatoes au Gratin were a snap to make and only baked 15 minutes.
They were real rib stickers...so my boys loved the meal!
The Leeks and Potatoes au Gratin were a snap to make and only baked 15 minutes.
They were real rib stickers...so my boys loved the meal!
We also had leftover Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls from last night and homemade applesauce.
I am sure this is a little more than a typical depression meal, but I think a farm family would have had most of the ingredients on hand.
We really enjoyed it...even the rice pudding!
I am sure this is a little more than a typical depression meal, but I think a farm family would have had most of the ingredients on hand.
We really enjoyed it...even the rice pudding!
Here are the recipes...followed by some interesting facts about the Great Depression.
Ham
You can rub the top with brown sugar if you want.
Because our hams are smoked, I just leave it as is, add about a cup of water to the baking dish, cover, and then cook at 200 degrees for 3-4 hours.
Check with a thermometer to make sure the ham is above 160 degrees internally before eating.
We use leftovers for sandwiches!
Leeks and Potatoes au Gratin
I substituted cheddar cheese for the Swiss:).
Green Beans Depression Style
This was a very different recipe!
I had my reservations, and am sorry to say this was not popular at the table last night.
In many ways, they tasted like Dilly Beans...so if you love that combination, you will love this dish.
In many ways, they tasted like Dilly Beans...so if you love that combination, you will love this dish.
Original recipe HERE.
Directions:
- 1Break beans in half and put in large kettle.
- 2Add rest of ingredients.
- 3Bring to full boil.
- 4Cover half way, turn heat down to simmer, forget it for about 3 hours.
- 5Scoop out with slotted spoon or serve with broth.Rice PuddingRecipe from HERE.
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup long or short grain white rice
1/8 teaspoon salt1/4 cup brown sugar or white sugar1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 cup brown or golden raisins, optionalLightly sweetened whipped cream {opt.}Rice Pudding: In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan combine the milk, rice, and salt. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium to medium-low and simmer until the rice is tender (about 25 minutes). Stir the milk mixture frequently using a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. When the rice is tender (al dente) remove from heat and add the sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Return to heat and cook until the rice pudding thickens, about 5 to10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the raisins. Spoon the pudding into your serving bowls and cover with plastic wrap. If you want a film or skin on the puddings, allow them to cool before covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving time, about 1 to 2 hours.If desired, garnish with lightly sweetened whipped cream.Makes 2 to 3 servings.Note: Can double the recipe for 4 to 6 servings.
Interesting Facts from the Great Depression
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{source}
During the Depression, distressed farms were sometimes sold at “Penny Auction” (forced auctions) in which farmers would assure that a distressed neighbor would be able to buy back his own farm by holding bids down to pennies, nickels, and quarters. They would dissuade those who wanted to make higher bids, sometimes symbolically with dangling nooses at the auction scene.
By the 1930s, thousands of schools were operating on reduced hours or were closed down entirely. Some three million children had left school, and at least 200,000 took to riding the rails.
On May 6, 1929, Joseph Stalin predicted to a small group of American communists that America would experience a revolutionary crisis and that the American communist party should be ready to assume the leadership of the “impending class struggle in America.
Scholars estimate that nearly 50% of children during the Great Depression did not have adequate food, shelter, or medical care. Many suffered rickets.
A new look in women’s fashion emerged in the 1930s. In response to the economic crisis, designers created more affordable fashions with longer hemlines, slim waistlines, lower heels, and less makeup. Accessories became more important as they created the impression of a “new” look without having to buy a new dress.
Causes of the Great Depression are widely debated but typically include a weak banking system, overproduction, bursting credit bubble, the fact that farmers and industrial workers had not shared in the prosperity of the 1920s, and a government-held laissez faire policy.
Have a great day!
~Julia


