17 Vintage Recipes from Early America
Updated: Sep. 19, 2023From simple sweets to hearty stews, these recipes are inspired by early America. Learn which all-American eats have withstood the test of time!
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Chunky Apple Cake
After taste testing lots of apple cakes, I’ve found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
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Golden Apricot-Glazed Turkey Breast
A favorite protein of American colonists, the turkey became a fixture on holiday dinner tables. This version roasts the apricot preserves and turkey breast until they’re golden brown and delicious.
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Fresh Asparagus Soup
Rumor has it that asparagus soup was one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite dishes; he even had asparagus planted and grown at Monticello.
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Molasses Cookie Mix
Before the Molasses Act of 1733, which taxed the sticky sauce, cookies rich with ooey-gooey molasses were common treats. When the price of molasses eventually lowered again, these cookies regained their popularity.
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Fresh Corn & Potato Chowder
Quickly adopted by settlers, corn was planted and grown throughout the colonies. Corn chowder, like this recipe, was one way colonists used up their fresh produce.
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A Bit Nutty Boston Brown Bread
Originally developed when wheat crops wouldn’t grow, this sweet and hearty bread is still common in the Northeast.
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Apple Pie
Though apple pie’s roots are from Europe, it didn’t long for this pie to become quintessentially American.
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Slow-Cooker Rump Roast
Slow roasted and chalk-full of hearty vegetables, dishes like this rump roast were common for special events.
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Jumble Cookies
Simple and easy to throw together, these cookies were a common treat. Martha Washington even had her own recipe!
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Pumpkin Gnocchi in Sage Butter
Though pumpkin gnocchi may seem strange, pasta was a very common way colonialists incorporated pumpkin into their dishes. Paired with a simple and delicious butter sauce, you’ll find love at first bite!
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Buttermilk Pound Cake
Classic cakes were originally made with just four ingredient: a pound of butter, flour, sugar and eggs. This version has a few more ingredients that make it even more delicious.
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Beef Barley Soup with Roasted Vegetables
Since barley grew in abundance in Colonial America, barley soup was a common way to warm up on a cold day.
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Apple Dumplings with Sauce
Apple dumplings were incredibly popular throughout the middle colonies, since boiling was one of the most common way to cook food in the area. This particular recipe is inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch’s baking method.
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Sausage Johnnycake
Cornmeal johnnycakes rose to popularity when wheat crops failed to flourish in the colonies. This version add sausage for a hearty touch.
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Granny's Gingerbread Cake with Caramel Sauce
This treat was as popular during Christmas in Colonial America as it is today. Though, our modern-day gingerbread cake recipe has an extra-sweet touch of caramel sauce.
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Easy Homemade Pickles
Since pickling was one of the simplest way to preserve fresh produce, pickles were commonly eaten during dinner or as an appetizer.
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Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings
Roast duck was a favorite of colonists, especially when stuffed with a citrus.
Originally Published: March 28, 2018
