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Looking for something simple and historical? Here’s a classic shepherd’s pie recipe from the 1918 cookbook Conservation Recipes by the Mobilized Women’s Organizations of Berkeley. It’s just meat, veggies, and a potato crust.
No fuss here, just straightforward cooking from a different era—one where food was rationed due to WWI. In 1918, food conservation was a wartime effort to save essential resources and support troops by encouraging households to reduce waste, eat alternative foods, and grow their own produce. Give it a try and taste a bit of the past.
Modern Cooking Tips and Substitutes
Oven Settings: Instead of baking for three hours on one burner of a gas oven, try baking in a modern oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Always check for doneness.
Meat Temperature: Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Substitutions
Mutton: If you don’t have mutton, lamb is the closest substitute. For a milder flavor, you can use beef or pork.
Butter Substitute: If you can’t find a butter substitute, regular butter or margarine works just fine.
Drippings: If you don’t have drippings, you can use a combination of melted butter and a splash of broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) for flavor.
For a Healthier Twist: Consider using lean cuts of meat or adding in more veggies of your choice.
Remember, recipes are just guidelines. Feel free to tweak and make it your own!
Meat Temperature: Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Substitutions
Mutton: If you don’t have mutton, lamb is the closest substitute. For a milder flavor, you can use beef or pork.
Butter Substitute: If you can’t find a butter substitute, regular butter or margarine works just fine.
Drippings: If you don’t have drippings, you can use a combination of melted butter and a splash of broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) for flavor.
For a Healthier Twist: Consider using lean cuts of meat or adding in more veggies of your choice.
Remember, recipes are just guidelines. Feel free to tweak and make it your own!
Did You Make This Recipe? Share it on Pinterest and Instagram and tag @heirloomsathome.
