Cauliflower Salad (Blumenkohlsalat, 1939, adapted)

Cauliflower Salad is a raw vegetable make-ahead salad suitable for a warm weeknight.   The recipe comes originally from Recipes from “Round the World”, a 1939 cookbook published by the McNess company.  The cookbook compiles recipes from varied countries, as the title implies, presented in their native languages alongside an English translation.  Cauliflower Salad claims its……

Tomato Pudding (adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, 1991)

Tomato Pudding is a simple casserole-style side dish meant to accompany a rich Southern meal.  Or maybe it’s a dessert.  The recipe’s original author, Cincinnati restaurateur Barbara Bond, isn’t quite sure.  This recipe comes to me by way of The Black Family Reunion Cookbook,  a recipe book compiled by the National Council of Negro Women…….

Sweet Sour Cream Cornbread (adapted from Open House, 1995)

Sweet Sour Cream Cornbread is a quick and dirty instant cornbread recipe perfect for beginner cooks.  If I were twenty years younger I might call this a “hack” or “cheat code”.  The key ingredient is Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, already a shortcut to better-than-it-ought-to-be cornbread.   For those unfamiliar, Jiffy Corn Muffins are usually prepared the……

Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes (Oregon, 1948, adapted)

Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes is a sweet and starchy side dish that will bring something a little bit different to the dinner table.  This particular recipe dates back to 1948, one of many recipes in the U. of O. Mother’s Cookbook, a community cookbook to raise funds for the University of Oregon.  Prior to finding this……

Creamed Beans with Dill Seed (Oregon, 2006, adapted)

Creamed Beans with Dill Seed is a simple yet elegant side dish with a unique and alluring flavor profile.  The recipe comes to me by way of Recipes of the Heart, a 2006 cookbook from my home congregation.  The author is a dear woman who still lives nearby and who I still see regularly.  She’s only……

Mushroom Scalloped Potatoes (1949, adapted)

 fMushroom Scalloped Potatoes is a dump-and-go potato side dish suitable for Sunday dinner.  It’s a labor-saving alternative to more sophisticated sides, and while it lacks the panache of a good pan of scalloped potatoes or funeral potatoes it will still scratch the itch for a creamy, starchy side.  The recipe comes to me by way……