A Journey Through 1920s Recipes

The kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a time capsule. Recipes from the 1920s reveal the creativity, resourcefulness, and evolving tastes of an era shaped by social and economic change. From stretching ingredients during lean times to indulging in sweet treats, these recipes tell the story of a generation making the most of what they had.

Let’s explore a selection of recipes that defined the era and reflect on how they’ve shaped the way we cook today.

Hot Tamales in Corn Husks

This recipe showcases the 1920s resourcefulness, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting and hearty dish. It’s an adaptation of tamales, reflecting the growing influence of international flavors on American cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 6 cups boiling water
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon lard
• 1 pound ground meat
• 2 cups canned tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Small chopped sweet pepper

Instructions:

1. Make mush by stirring cornmeal into boiling salted water; cook in a double boiler for 1 1/2 hours.
2. Brown onion in fat, then add ground meat. Stir until the red color disappears. Add tomatoes, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Stir together the mixture and place two heaping tablespoons of the filling into well-greased corn husks. Fold husks together, pin with skewers, and fasten ends with toothpicks.
4. Arrange in a flat pan, add hot water to cover the bottom, and cook in a moderate oven for 1 1/2 hours, adding water as necessary to prevent sticking.

Brownies: The Swedish Maids’ Secret Recipe

This recipe was supposedly passed down through generations and was once a closely guarded secret. Its charming story of how the recipe was shared among Swedish maids adds to its mystique.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 squares melted chocolate
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup chopped English walnuts

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
3. Mix in melted chocolate and combine thoroughly.
4. Stir in flour and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
5. Pour mixture into a long pan and bake in a moderate oven (approximately 350°F) for about 15 minutes.
6. Cut into squares or oblongs while still warm. These rich, fudgy treats are delicious served with or without tea.

The recipe’s whimsical backstory captures the spirit of the 1920s—a time when recipes were closely held family secrets, but also a symbol of hospitality and connection.

Cream of Dandelion Soup

In an era where nothing went to waste, even dandelion leaves could become a delicious meal. This soup is simple yet hearty, perfect for lunch or supper.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart milk (skim or whole)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons fat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooked dandelion leaves

Instructions:

1. Stir flour into melted fat, then mix with cold milk.
2. Put the cooked dandelion leaves through a sieve or chop finely, then add to the milk mixture.
3. Stir until thickened and serve.

Risen Sally Lunn

Bread baking was an essential skill in the 1920s, and this recipe for Sally Lunn bread highlights the care and time required to produce something truly special.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart flour (sifted twice)
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1 rounded teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs (well beaten)
• 2 cups lukewarm milk
• 1 yeast cake dissolved in milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add eggs and milk with dissolved yeast. Stir until smooth. Add melted butter last.
2. Beat mixture until light and allow it to rise in a warm place for at least three hours.
3. Place in a well-greased baking pan and allow it to rise again.
4. Bake in a moderate oven until the crust is golden and the bread is thoroughly baked. Cut into thick slices and enjoy.

A Lasting Legacy

The recipes of the 1920s reflect an era where resourcefulness and simplicity met creativity and care. Meals like Sally Lunn bread served as comforting staples, while dishes like Brownies added a touch of indulgence.

Revisiting these recipes today can help us reconnect with a slower, more intentional way of cooking. Whether you’re baking brownies with their sweet origin story or crafting a pot of Cream of Dandelion Soup, these recipes remind us of the shared history that lives on in our kitchens.