5 Seasonal Winter Menus Inspired by the 1940s

I like the idea of seasonal cooking. Using produce, meats, even dairy and eggs in season as it was available is something our great-grandparents were familiar with. Once grocery store chains, refrigeration, and global shipping became more common, the idea of seasonal eating faded mostly into memory. I think it’s fun to look through old cookbooks that had seasonal menus in mind, like the cookbook pictured above.

Soft Maple Bread Pudding that makes a cozy autumn brunch

Autumn is a time where we shift gears, slow down, and take in the changing of the seasons. At least that’s what I’d like to do! With three holidays three months in a row, to be honest it feels like it’s full steam ahead. If I want any kind of slow down or mental break, I have to carve that time out and make myself take that time.

When I was hunting for the next Vintage Autumn Series recipe, that’s just the kind of recipe I was trying to find – something that was cozy and worth slowing down for.

Explore more than just Pumpkin with this beautiful Autumn Harvest Squash Pie

Pumpkin Pie is usually one of those things I look forward to every autumn. It’s all about the nostalgia; those iconic tastes of the season. The question is: when is too soon to make one? Is October too soon? How about September? For me, it’s mostly determined by when I can get my hands on fresh pumpkins. Or better yet… fresh baking squash.

I love baking pies with fresh pumpkins or squash I bake in the oven myself.

Make these decadent Maple Butter Tarts for your festivities this year

Maple Butter Tarts are just the essence of autumn – sweet, buttery morsels full of that earthy maple goodness. The fact that they’re tarts make them that much easier to serve at parties or give away. Or have with a nice cup of tea or cup of coffee. I think they’re too decadent to make all year round, but are perfect for the holidays, though I think some Canadians might strongly disagree!

Vintage Autumn Series #1: Try this unique vintage Prune Spice Cake

Personally, I think prunes get a bad wrap. They’re usually associated with the elderly, improving “regular” digestion, and viewed overall with disgust and something to be poked fun at. (A certain episode of Star Trek Voyager where prune juice is referred to as a “warrior’s drink” comes to mind! haha!)

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love prunes. I think they have a wonderfully dark, complex flavor. In fact, they are sometimes used as a substitute for chocolate in recipes. I think everyone should at least try prunes once in their dried form – not necessarily as a glass of prune juice though. That’s a whole different experience!

History Preserved: A New Look

When I realized my new blog was heading in the wrong direction, I looked to the past for some much-needed inspiration… This blog hasn’t been here long, but I’ve been blogging for 10 years over at HISTORY: Preserved. It was a fun place to share my love of American history, vintage recipes, and…