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By Haylie Robinson

Exploring the culinary heritage of bygone eras provides a fascinating insight into the lives and tastes of those who lived during these times. From the simple yet hearty Civil War Bread to the delightful Abraham Lincoln Apple Bread Pudding, the refreshing WWI/WWII Stuffed Tomato Salad, and finally, the Skillet Cranberries, each recipe offers a unique journey into history and flavors. Let’s dive into the past and recreate these historic dishes.

1. CIVIL WAR BREAD RECIPE

During the Civil War, food was often scarce, and soldiers had to make do with simple yet nourishing rations. One staple in their diet was Civil War Bread, a straightforward and filling recipe that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients:
• 8 Cups Flour
• 1 Pint of Warm Water (between 105 degrees and 115 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 3 Tablespoons yeast (fast-acting)
• 2 ounces of butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Enough water to make a dough that does not stick to your hands.

Instructions:

1. Add the yeast to the warm water and let it sit for a few minutes.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

3. Add the yeast liquid and softened butter to the dry ingredients, mix with a spoon, then knead until the dough is well mixed.

4. Knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a warm, damp towel and put it under a lamp to rise.

6. After about two hours, when the dough has doubled, punch it down and divide it into 12 lumps of dough.

7. Shape each lump into a roll and arrange them on cookie sheets, leaving space between rolls for rising.

8. Cover the rolls with a warm, damp cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes.

9. Score the rolls with a serrated knife or razor blade.

10. Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until they are lightly browned.

2. ABRAHAM LINCOLN APPLE BREAD PUDDING

This comforting and flavorsome Apple Bread Pudding recipe is said to have been enjoyed by the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. A delightful combination of apples, lemon, nutmeg, and buttery bread crumbs, this dessert is sure to transport you back to the days of the past.

Ingredients:
• 12 small baking apples (e.g., Granny Smiths)
• 1 large lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (plus more for greasing the dish)
• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably from artisan bread)

Cream Sauce Ingredients:
• 1-pint heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Peel and core the apples, then slice them very thin. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.

3. Pour lemon juice and zest over the apples, add nutmeg, and toss to coat them evenly.

4.Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter. Create a layer of apple slices at the bottom of the dish, covering the entire surface.

5. Sprinkle a layer of brown sugar on the apples, then small chunks of butter and a thin layer of bread crumbs.

6. Repeat the layering process until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of bread crumbs.

7. Bake the pudding uncovered for 50-60 minutes until the edges brown, the pudding is cooked through, and the apples are soft.

8. Warm the heavy whipping cream in a pot over medium heat for the cream sauce. Whisk in powdered sugar, nutmeg, and almond extract.

9. Strain the sauce into a serving dish and serve it warm over slices of Apple Bread Pudding.

3. WWI / WWII STUFFED TOMATO SALAD

World War I and II were times of significant challenges, and creativity was required to make the most of available ingredients. This Stuffed Tomato Salad is a refreshing and straightforward dish that showcases the simplicity of wartime recipes.

Ingredients:
• 6 Tomatoes
• 2 Cucumbers
• Mayonnaise
• 1 tsp parsley
• Lettuce
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube the cucumbers, mix them with mayonnaise, and chill in the refrigerator.

2. Scald and peel the tomatoes cut off the tops, and remove the seeds with a spoon.

3. Place tomatoes in lettuce cups and fill them with the chilled cucumber cubes.

4. Top each stuffed tomato with a dollop of mayonnaise and garnish with parsley.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. SKILLET CRANBERRIES RECIPE

Cranberries have a long history in American cuisine, and this Skillet Cranberries recipe is a delightful and tangy treat. It can be traced back to earlier times when fresh ingredients were used to create flavorful dishes.

Ingredients:
• 1 pound fresh cranberries
• 2 cups turbinado or other raw sugar
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum

Instructions:

1. Spread the cranberries in the bottom of a skillet and sprinkle the sugar over them.

2. Place the skillet in an oven set to about 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour until the berries are very soft.

3. Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully pour in the brandy or rum to deglaze the pan, being cautious of hot spatters.

4. Stir gently to unstick any berries from the bottom of the skillet.

5. You can return the skillet to the oven or cook on the stovetop until the alcohol evaporates.

6. The Skillet Cranberries can be made several days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Recreating these historic recipes provides a delicious meal and a glimpse into the past. The Civil War Bread reflects the simplicity and resourcefulness of its time. At the same time, the Abraham Lincoln Apple Bread Pudding showcases the flavors enjoyed by historical figures. The WWI/WWII, Stuffed Tomato Salad, demonstrates the ingenuity required during times of scarcity, and the Skillet Cranberries recipe brings a taste of history to our modern tables.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, these historic recipes offer a delightful journey through time and taste. Enjoy these dishes and savor the flavors of the past that have stood the test of time.