Depression era recipes bonanza

April 25, 1:14 PMSalt Lake City Parenting ExaminerRachael Lever

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While it might be nice if we could just stop buying groceries when we run out of money, we all know that is impossible. Our families have to eat (and eat, and eat) and there is no getting around it.

During our current financial climate, it is especially important to save money wherever we can. Food is usually a big part of our monthly budget, and often a place where we can cut back and spend less. Of course, our families won't be happy with plain old beans and rice for very long, so here are some great recipes to spice up your menu, while you save money.

Creamed Tuna with eggs over Biscuits
(see slide show for detailed pictures)

3 T. flour
3 T butter
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
6 oz (one can) chunk tuna
3 hard-boiled eggs
1/2 cup frozen peas
8-12 biscuits

Prepare biscuits and have them baking in oven. In a deep sauce pan melt the butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. When your butter/flour mixture has cooked for a  few minutes, begin to add the milk slowly, whisking frequently to ensure a smooth white sauce. Add salt and pepper. Bring to an "almost" boil, while continuing to whisk. Once you reach this point turn your heat back down to low. (You may need to remove pan from burner for a minute or two so it doesn't scald). Add tuna and peas. Cook on low to medium heat until heated thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Just before biscuits are done slice eggs and add to creamed tuna. Give the sauce one last stir and serve over hot biscuits.

Easy Baking Powder drop biscuits

2 cups flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup milk

Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening. Stir in milk with fork. Dough will be sticky. Drop onto pan. Bake at 450F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown on top.

Whole Wheat Pancakes

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tb. baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 Tb. cooking oil
2 Tb. sugar
4 Tb. powdered milk
2-3 cups water- add to consistency

Mix dry ingredients. Add beaten eggs, oil, and water. Beat well. Cook according to regular pancake directions.

Tomato Soup

1 6oz can tomato paste
24 oz milk or water (refill paste can 4 times)
1 tsp salt (to taste)
1 tsp sugar
Optional additions:
1 tsp garlic powder
cheese
bacon
onion powder
celery seed

Put paste in saucepan, add milk or water. Add everything else. Stir. Cook on medium until hot and serve.

Vintage WWI Eggless, Milkless, Butterless Cake

1 cup water
2 cups raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder

Place water, raisins, cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, shortening, nutmeg and salt in a saucepan and mix. Place on heat and bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes. Allow to cool, then sift together the flour, baking soda and baking powder. Stir into cooked mixture. Place in a greased loaf pan and bake at 350F for one hour.

For more info: For more great recipes check out the list to your right. Also find out more about the "Great Recession" by reading the rest of this week's articles, Recessions are good for kids, Books for teaching kids about money , Teach your children to spend and save wisely, Homemade piggy banks, and this one about healthy eating Childhood obesity.