Food preservation and preparation in the early part of the 20th century is almost a lost art today. It's too easy to drive to the grocery store and pick up a few items rather than make something from scratch.
What's missing, though, is the wholesomeness and love that comes from the old-fashioned ways. Food that is grown from seed; picked and preserved using resources God provides. No chemicals or anything artificial.
Food was not just about survival, though. It was a welcome excuse to get together for companionship and friendship. Along with survival, gardens were used for socialization purposes. Families welcomed garden treasures as an excuse to get together for companionship and friendship. New neighbors were met with fresh blackberry jam. Bread was always home-made. Children yearned for the taste of fresh tomatoes, corn and beans. Families worked together to grow and put up enough food to keep them through the winter.
Two years ago, we placed my 90+ year old grandparents into an assisted living home. The home is wonderful and although my grandfather has since passed away, my grandmother loves living there. In the moving process, however, I realized that something could be lost forever unless I took the reigns and made it a point to teach my children. New generations may bring new creations and a different ways of living, but the old ways are still worthy lessons for our kids to learn.
"You know what I like best about Grandma?" my son once asked me.
"What?" I replied
"She's always smiling"
Recipe Box - Dilly Beans (adapted by R. Staples)
Ingredients:
1 peck string beans - ends snipped
2 1/2 cups vinegar
8 1/2 to 10 cups water
4 cloves garlic - finely chopped
1 red hot pepper - finely chopped or 2 tsp dried cayenne
8 heads dill - finely chopped or 1 tbsp dill weed
1/4 cup salt
Directions:
Cook beans for 10 minutes
Pack beans in hot jars
Mix together remaining ingredients
Add vinegar mixture to jars
Seal jars