New cookbook offers historical Kansas recipes
Regina Murphy
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Jane E. Garrett’s book “The Market Basket” is a collection of recipes published as part of a contest in the Lawrence Journal-World from 1921 to 1949. Each week’s winner received not only fame in the publication, but a fortune of two entire dollars — an actual fortune during the Depression.
Those of you who have been reading for awhile know how much I enjoy delving into the past and the things people used to cook or do to make the meal successful. Garrett’s book is a perfect glimpse into Kansan cooks over nearly 25 years, during a time of feast, famine and culinary ingenuity.
“The Market Basket” is 250 pages, with vintage artwork, a timeline on food prices, and wonderful advertisements from Lawrence businesses at the time. Recipes cover everything from breakfast to dinner, and even cocktails. It’s a great read, and if you’re looking for something special for your Kansas cook, I believe The Town Crier can help you get a copy. A second volume is already in the works, so make sure you get the first one before it sells out.
The following recipes are not exact reproductions from the book because I actually tested them and adjusted the older directions as needed. No “butter the size of an egg” for you. Amongst this offering you may find a little Kansas gem to add to your holiday recipe list.
MISS LONGACRE’S THANKSGIVING SALAD (1946)
To read complete story see the print edition or the online print edition.