Homemakers' Chat

Advice for women from the 1910s to the 1970s.

[homemakerschat]

“Bacon drippings, lard, chicken fat, tallow, when not too strong, may be clarified and used for gingerbread, spice cakes, cookies, and other foods having a strong flavor.”

– How to Live on a Reduced War Budget by Ethel X. Pastor, 1942

[questionableadvice]

[questionableadvice]

~ The Pacific Monthly: vol. 12, July - December 1909

“You can eat these pancakes - they’re digestible!” (Not like those other “pancakes” - what were you even thinking?)

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Early twentieth century food writing was comically obsessed with constipation!

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Ironic that an ad so careful to avoid the slightest whisper of direct bodily reference should be flagged by Tumblr as pornographic!

[homemakerschat]

“Try to concentrate your purchasing in one section or buying area.  It is poor economy to wear yourself out or run your car all over the city to track down bargains.”

– How to Live on a Reduced War Budget by Ethel X. Pastor, 1942

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“Whole grain breads give you the most nourishment for money spent.”

– The Economy Cook Book by the Journal of Living, 1948

[homemakerschat]

“Make friends with your grocer.  He can give you many valuable tips on shipments of food and good values that will be of real help to you in fashioning your menus.”

– How to Live on a Reduced War Budget by Ethel X. Pastor, 1942

[coloredink]

Made Rosa Parks’ pancake recipe today, as recently heard on The Sporkful!  I was more nervous about the 2 TABLESPOONS OF BAKING POWDER than the peanut butter; the peanut butter was merely intriguing.  XD  They did indeed turn out “Featherlite,” because TWO TABLESPOONS OF BAKING POWDER.  Incredible.  I would recommend waiting longer than you normally might to make sure the pancakes are done in the middle, because they are taaaalll.  So tall.  And savory!

[homemakerschat]

It's worth considering that she may have been using a less efficient form of baking powder! Midcentury recipes (my early 50s copy of the Joy of Cooking, for example) often call for different amounts of different kinds of baking powder--single-action types often required one and a half to two times as much as the combination style, which is the only kind you can get today. So if it seems excessive to you, cut the amount in half and you might get a more reasonable (and less metallic tasting) product.

[homemakerschat]

“You are willing and anxious to make the necessary adjustments that will help you maintain the decent standard of living that is an American tradition.”

– How to Live on a Reduced War Budget by Ethel X. Pastor, 1942

[homemakerschat]

“There is no need to prepare complicated salads with many different vegetables or fruits intricately arranged.”

– The Economy Cook Book by the Journal of Living, 1948

[homemakerschat]

“You would never dream of giving your little girl a sheaf of raw wheat when she can have its goodness concentrated in delicious cereals and bread.”

– White’s Cod Liver Oil Concentrate Tablets, Woman’s Home Companion, November 1934

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“For all-out economy you must consider savings on the smallest matters.”

– How to Live on a Reduced War Budget by Ethel X. Pastor, 1942

[homemakerschat]

“Applesauce Spice Cake”

– The Economy Cook Book by the Journal of Living, 1948

[homemakerschat]

“To Women . . . It’s Important”

– Northern Tissue and Gauze, Woman’s Home Companion, July 1934

[homemakerschat]

“You think of the real food shortages people in European countries have had to face . . . And you are thankful that you live in a country so rich in food production that you will never want.”

– How to Live on a Reduced War Budget by Ethel X. Pastor, 1942

[homemakerschat]

“Yeast dough mixed in large batches and stored in refrigerator will keep fresh for at least a week.”

– The Economy Cook Book by the Journal of Living, 1948

[homemakerschat]

“Sound advice on marriage hygiene was all she needed.  And that was all I gave her.  In two little words.  ‘Use “Lysol.”’”

– Excerpted from an ad for Lysol, Woman’s Home Companion, July 1934

[homemakerschat]

“Save on expensive cheese spreads by making your own.”

– The Economy Cook Book by the Journal of Living, 1948