There are some recipes from earlier generations that we never want to see again, for example, all of the foods people used to make with Jell-O. (Why?) But there are also plenty of occasions when our ancestors nailed it. Here are a few recipes that are delicious regardless of what decade you were born, sure to provide warmth and comfort on these chilly winter nights in Hilliard.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup
According to Time Travel Kitchen, this meal came to popularity in school lunch programs after World War II. The classic approach is white bread and cheddar or American cheese, but you can add a modern twist with gouda, bacon, avocado, or tomato. Give an ordinary serving of tomato soup a kick with a drizzle of Sriracha sauce, a dash of saffron, or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Beef Stroganoff
This French dish, by way of Russia, didn’t rise to popularity in the United States until after World War II, according to Fork + Plate, when service members were exposed to it overseas. You can make it the old-fashioned way by preparing the mushroom sauce from scratch, or you can take a shortcut with a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Meatloaf
Bon Appetit refers to meatloaf as a “culinary scrap heap” and one of the country’s iconic comfort foods. Although it was not recorded in America until the 1870s and did not become a staple until the Great Depression, its origins can be traced back to medieval Europe when the “scrap heap” had a decidedly more Mediterranean influence and included finely diced fruits and nuts. If you’re looking for a savory yet uncomplicated twist on traditional meatloaf, try this version by Ina Garten.
Chicken and Dumplings
It’s commonly believed that this is yet another dish that became popular amid the scarcity of the Great Depression; an invention “crafted out of poverty.” However, Southern Kitchen argues that the dish was a staple of European cooking long before America was colonized and dates back to at least the 1600s. You can make it tonight in your Instant Pot or Dutch oven in about an hour!
Chicken Pot Pie
According to Supper Thyme Ok, the pot pie originated in ancient Greece, where it was called artocreas. Settlers who came to America in the 18th century brought their pot pie recipes with them, and we’re so glad they did! It’s typically prepared with peas and carrots, but the nice thing about this recipe is that you can substitute any vegetables you like or happen to have on hand, such as broccoli, corn, or green beans. Try it tonight.
Salisbury Steak
Did you know that Salisbury steak originated as a treatment for digestive illnesses that were common during the Civil War? It’s true! According to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Dr. James Salisbury was an early dietician who proposed this easily accessible protein to combat chronic malnutrition among soldiers. It’s a tasty meal even if you aren’t protein-deprived, and this recipe from Taste of Home takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
If you’re searching for a modern, spacious kitchen to prepare your favorite classic comfort foods, look no further than The Pointe - Hilliard. We provide 13 floor plans, each with chic vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops for that luxury kitchen you’ve been dreaming about. Call our leasing office at (614) 392-8883.