Early pioneers could boil, steam, roast and bake foods on the open hearth, all methods of cooking which are used today. If we could travel back in time we also would recognize many cooking utensils, made of iron, wood, clay or gourds.
The kitchen would be less familiar, a wooden side board and a few shelves in a corner, lit by candles or a coal oil lamp. Water was carried in to wash and soak the beans before baking, make the soup and wash the dishes.
Despite primitive conditions, the pioneer cook could turn out wonderful, nourishing foods like Baked Squash, Corn Soup, Sweet Potato Pudding, Pumpkin Bread, Roast Venison, Baked Apple Butter and Buttermilk Pie. Try some of the 69 recipes in this book and don't forget to pour the apple cider or brew some sassafras tea to re-create meals shared by our ancestors many years ago.
