Just Like Mom Used To Make
This weekend I attended what is the largest flea market in the world - Canton, TX. Anything you might want (and a lot that you wouldn't) was there. Amongst the tables of discarded manual egg beaters and sets of 5 matching mugs were the vintage casserole dishes of the 40's and 50's. The indestructible Jadite of Fire King was nestled in next to the Corningware with its signature blue cornflowers. Again and again I was drawn back to the same dishes. It wasn't until I nailed down the sentiment behind them that I figured out why. It wasn't because they are the best looking or that I am one of those people that think retro is the only way to go. It was the memory of the one-pot wonders that brought the family to the dinner table that jolted me back.
In those days, my mom made dinner decisions based on juggling work, kids and budget. Today, we are so caught up in culinary variety and the search for everything organic, local and unique that we wouldn't dare serve these heirloom dishes to our families, let alone guests! And most of us wouldn't know where to start anyway. The tradition of passing down recipes through the generations has been lost. We might as well just add a mom or grandmother teaching their kids to cook to the endangered species list. The truth is, these recipes are a great start to learning how to cook without the intimidation factor.
I remember Mom's Shipwreck and Tuna Casserole more than any other meal from my childhood. They were staples on the weekly menu at my house because Mom could get them on the table, clean the dishes AND have a little time to herself. She would even let me help once I got old enough. It was our time together that created the memories.
It seems to me that during the holiday season when friends and family gather together, we should revive the tradition of the one-pot dinner. Not only is it satisfying to cook and serve a meal in the same dish, but it's only logical in the state of the economy to focus more attention to the budget friendly ingredients found in these dishes. After all, it really is more about the dinner than the meal.Click here to see our "from scratch" versions of classic casseroles.
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