Out of This Kitchen

The Steel Valley provided a welcome haven to various Europeans facing political, religious and economic hardships. Each group brought its language, religion and folkways, contributing to the ethnic and cultural diversity that survives today.

So, in addition to the recipes, which, because of their historical nature are interesting reading, each section begins with a brief historical reference to place the events of world and national history within the lives of the people and their conditions. Also included are statements from individuals about their family history, and a look back at items of daily household interest, i.e., newspaper ads, helpful household hints, home remedies and photographs, a true picture of the way it was.

And the recipes were equally interesting especially those without measurements. I remember watching my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother cook and they never measured. Reading about everyone's mothers brings back memories of learning to cook with my mother and relatives. There are some recipes I still can't reproduce just right.

Even if you don't cook, I recommend this book to anyone if only to whet your appetite while you learn. Good reading and eating!