The Farmhouse Cookbook

The Farmhouse Cookbook was written in the early 1970’s when America was vibrating with a “back to the land” vibe that is similar to what many people are feeling in today’s uncertain climate. The book begins with some simple instruction on growing an organic garden, ends with sections on canning, freezing and root cellaring and between, it is packed with recipes.

Yvonne Young Tarr relies heavily on recipes from the Pennsylvania Dutch. She features many game recipes and offers up 12 different recipes for fried chicken including one in a banana batter. Don't expect to find that one on my table! This is lovely and unusual soup is another story. It makes for a tangy first course.

Elise Dunlop’s Honey-Buttermilk Soup

5 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons tapioca
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Salt


Place the buttermilk, milk, tapioca, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a soup kettle. Simmer over low heat for one hour, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Stir in the honey, sugar, and salt, stirring until well mixed. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve immediately.

This is a soup your guests won't see coming.