Folk Foods of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey

By R. Marilyn Schmidt

Because of their often perceived or actual isolated location, Pine Barrens folk grew much of their food, particularly fruits and vegetables. Chickens were kept for meat and eggs; hogs supplied smoked hams, sausage, tallow, and even pig skin. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, wild turkeys, snappers, and other animals were eaten as needed. Cows, less common, supplied milk and beef. Some inhabitants kept goats and sheep. People of the pines knew how to live off the land. During the Great Depression, these residents suffered little hardship. Gardens supplied vegetables which were eaten fresh, dried or canned in contrast to today's freezing. Root cellars, a rarity today, enabled folks to keep potatoes, cabbages, carrots, beets, squash, and other vegetables and fruits to provide food throughout the winter. Pine Barrens folks ate well. Little food was purchased. Necessities such as sugar, molasses, salt, pepper, flour, and cornmeal were available at the local general store. Neighbors shared; they cooked from scratch; unlike today when many folks run to the local supermarket to purchase something to defrost and serve for dinner. Interestingly, today many people in the pines continue the old traditions. Cakes are still baked from scratch, gardens are maintained and yes, some people still keep chickens. The traditions of yesteryear continue today and undoubtedly and hopefully will be passed on to be continued by future generations. Recipes included here are of historical and interesting dishes including products commonly available or locally grown. They are culled from old time literature - magazines, newspapers, books - and friends both old and new. Many were handed down from generation to generation. May you enjoy these dishes and have them become a part of your history, as well.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 098289595X
• ISBN13: 9780982895955
• Release Date: February 2012
• Publisher: KFR Communications, LLC
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.5"