In looking through local church cookbooks for great recipes to make, it has been a delight to find names of people who have been a part of my life. Usually it is a female, but in this case it is a man -- WWII vet Dick Beitler of Berne, Indiana. I'll explain. In 2012, I... Continue Reading →
Vintage Eats Recipe: 1964 Mushrooms au Gratin
When I began researching vintage recipes and cookbooks 18 months ago, I did it for fun and comfort. Stress was a big part of my life (and continues to be) and thinking of my mom and grandmas (people who had loved me) made me happy. Sadly, all of these wonderful women are gone now, but... Continue Reading →
Vintage Eats Recipe: 1943 Shepherd’s Pie
This is a recipe I can tick off my bucket list where it’s been for several years. It gained prominence there since my family began watching British TV shows. Shepherd’s Pie makes an entrance often as a favorite of our friends across the pond. One of my favorite appearances is on the crime show ‘Death... Continue Reading →
Vintage Eats Recipe : 1948 Uncooked Harvest Pudding
Are making dinner rolls beyond your ken? Does the thought of mashing potatoes make you cringe? If so, you may think you shouldn't try to contribute to a holiday meal where it seems everything is either cooked on a stove or in an oven. Good news! If you can slice and dice, you can create... Continue Reading →
Vintage Eats Recipe: ‘Crea-Peas’
Crea-Peas is a easy-to-make, economical dish full of protein! This name 'Crea-Peas' may sound like a belated Halloween treat, but it’s not. It is, in fact, a nutritious stove-top dish that is quick and easy, economical, and tastes good! In my opinion, all of that is helpful for a anyone's diet through the upcoming busy... Continue Reading →
Movie Review: Twelve O’clock High
I’m starting a monthly column of movie reviews of World War II films. These will mostly be movies made prior to the 1960s, so black and white. They are chosen in no particular order. It may be a little challenging for you to find these movies, but check with your library and streaming services. I’ll... Continue Reading →
World War II Army Nurse Cadet: Frances Kraner Beeler
Women played an important part during World War II in the military. Here is a story from an interview I did with Frances Kraner Beeler in 2015. Frances was a sweet lady who was proud to tell me about her service with the Army. Frances' story is told in my books 'Born To Be Soldiers:... Continue Reading →
Make Kate Smith’s Gala Cake Recipe
For several years I’ve been collecting recipes and cookbooks from the 1940s. It’s been interesting studying how food was produced and prepared and eaten. It’s amazing how some foods that were rationed then are running into similar situations today, i.e. eggs. I’ll share bits of information periodically in a column called ‘What’s Cookin’?’ It may... Continue Reading →
Teen Helped in Belgian Resistance
Soldiers were not the only ones who encountered the war in Europe. Fort Wayne resident Gabriel Delobbe remembers the day his home country of Belgium was invaded by the German Army on May 10, 1940. "I was 14 years old," he said. "The Belgian Army was small so all we could do was watch the... Continue Reading →
Keeping Goals Simple for 2023
Happy New Year! Cheers for a mild winter so far and a bright outlook for 2023! Here are my goals: Read more. My Google spreadsheet lists nearly 100 books I read/ listened to while walking in 2022 (I use my library's Libby app). Raising the bar is ambitious but exciting. 2. Take more time for... Continue Reading →