Historical American Recipes Archives

American Cakes – Washington Cake

Washington cake is an early 19th century creamed cake (a variation of pound cake) flavored with spices and frequently raisins and dried currants. TheRead More

Very Fancy Sandwiches

On Guard … American Home Magazine, July 1944 This vintage American Home Magazine (July 1944) can best be compared to a modern day version of Good HousekeepingRead More

The Hemingway Special

This frozen daiquiri, so well beaten as it is, looks like the sea where the wave falls away from the bow of a ship whenRead More

Pumpkin Pudding, Lincoln and Thanksgiving

Give thanks, all ye people, give thanks to the Lord,Alleluias of freedom with joyful accord:Let the East and the West, North and South roll along,Sea,Read More

Thanksgiving Apple Pudding

“Now the purpose of this letter is to entreat President Lincoln to put forth his Proclamation, appointing the last Thursday in November (which falls thisRead More

Nutty Sweet Potato Casserole

Imagine only being allowed a certain amount of meat per week… a world where sugar is precious and worth saving… where a coupon booklet isRead More

Civil War Beef Stew

Army of the Potomac – Union soldiers cooking dinner in camp – Library of Congress We grab our plates and cups, and wait for no secondRead More

Cucumber Rye Tea Sandwiches from “The Help”

In Oscar nominated film “The Help” director Tate Taylor, a Jackson native, wanted authentically Southern food to dress his set. He decided to recruit realRead More

What Thomas Jefferson Ate – Marinated Asparagus

Here is another recipe inspired by our Founding Fathers. Asparagus became widely available in America during Colonial times, and was a particular favorite of ThomasRead More

What Thomas Jefferson Ate – White Bean Soup

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, has a firmly rooted role in American food history. A naturally curious and creative individual, JeffersonRead More

Abraham Lincoln Apple Bread Pudding

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in a one-room log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm in Hardin County, Kentucky. From humble pioneer beginnings,Read More

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Molasses Cookies

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House book series, was one of the first great food writers I ever encountered. As an avid youngRead More

Rosa Parks’ Peanut Butter Pancakes

What Rosa Parks Ate: Peanut Butter Pancakes. Learn to make Rosa Parks’ Featherlite Peanut Butter Pancakes with this vintage recipe and step-by-step photos. FebruaryRead More

What Elvis Presley Ate – Sunday Meatloaf

Happy birthday Elvis Presley! The King of Rock and Roll was born 77 years ago today on January 8, 1935. What better way to celebrateRead More

Martha Washington’s Preserved Cherries

My patriotic side is officially kicking into high gear. This week I dug out a historical American manuscript that I’ve wanted to read for aRead More

What the Colonial Virginians Ate – Apple Tansey

What the Colonial Virginians Ate: Apple Tansey – Learn what the Colonial settlers of Virginia ate and a traditional colonial recipe for Apple Tansey. I’mRead More