Cooking a Dinner from World War II

[@Jessica-b5y7e]

How you describe your grandma and dad is exactly how you seem to us...one of the sweetest people ever

[@DollarTreeDinners]

That is so kind of you to say ❤️ thank you!

[@tcctocrazytccarson7309]

I agree ♡♡♡

[@SusanKramer-s3v]

I totally agree!

[@DarlaPitman]

Definitely! They would be very proud of you.

[@irisarco13]

She is a darling treasure. 💕

[@annaalbert2088]

My grandmother grew up during WW2 and she said that they used to make their own butter because the ration coupons were for Meat OR butter and her father rationalized that he could make his own butter but not his own meat so they used them all for meat and made their butter. This was a great video and Happy International Women's Day!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

That makes perfect sense!

[@eathomelive]

Smart man!

[@Tia-vj9ox]

My mom was born in 1923. She was an Army Nurse. What lives they had. Bless you for honoring her this way.❤

[@wolchfam]

My mom was born in 1923 too. My dad in 1920. I heard many stories about rationing. I remember my mom being so happy when her first was born as she had another ration ticket available for shoes since he wouldn’t need shoes for a year. I think butter being rationed was the most difficult for my mom - she loved toast with butter.

[@jimmiepatrum]

My mom and dad were also born in 1923. Mom lived in the country and Dad lived in town. When WWII came, Dad went off to war as a newly married twenty year old. He was captured by the Germans and was a Prisoner of War for sixteen months. He didn't have enough food to eat, as a prisoner. He was 5'11" tall and came home weighing less than 100 pounds. I was born in 1946. I do have some of Mom's rationing books. She ate much better than Dad and she learned to economize in every way possible. Such a time it was...I pray that our country is not headed into another war or Depression. Diane in NC

[@karengaddy6604]

​@@wolchfam They really were the greatest generation ever.

[@deidrebee1]

These women were also sewing, hanging clothes to dry, ironing, and many had gardens. Then there was the housework and however many babies before birth control. I loved my grand and great grand mothers, too. They taught me so much.

[@pigoff123]

We still do those things but we were raised by a German mother and an American military father so those were normal in Germany.

[@misssullivan7032]

They were doing their part. They also weren’t getting shot at, bombed, watching their friends blown to pieces or having to kill others. War is horrendous all around.

[@kdramsey965]

I learned years ago from a yeast company that if you put a pot of boiling water in the cold oven it will help the dough rise. This is a great video. What a precious way to honor your grandmother!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you, she was a precious soul and I miss her

[@kdramsey965]

Your love for her is obvious!

[@tama4217]

I’m a long term care nurse and I just love when people honour their elders. What a beautiful tribute to your grandma and dad. They must be beaming with pride sweet lady💕

[@Annmarie-gd3fv]

My mom grew up during the Depression. She made meatloaf with 1 to 1-1/2 lbs of ground meat in a loaf pan. She formed meat on the bottom and sides of pan, filled with a bread stuffing then topped with leftover ground meat. She served with brown gravy. It's my favorite kind of meatloaf, very filling!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

A stuffing stuffed meatloaf? That is absolutely genius and mouthwatering

[@Annmarie-gd3fv]

@@DollarTreeDinners Best meal ever...with baked potatoes and 2 veg! Yummy!

[@leahas6418]

That sounds genius 😂

[@mariaTsounakis1521]

Wow! How interesting!

[@staceyrusso6440]

My grandma made all her veggies in butter. She would boil them first, then put them in a bowl with butter. The veggies would be floating in melted butter. All of the grandkids would joke how the veggies were no longer the healthy part of the meal hahaha.

[@kendiholloway2378]

I grew up mostly in my Grandmas house she was my rock. She was born in 1913 lived through the depression and had her first baby in 1939. I asked her how she managed with war time rationing (Australia) and she taught me tips & tricks I still use. Her mock cream is the only icing/frosting I like on cakes. She taught me how to cook, sew (she tried I still cant sew though) garden and more. My Mum died when I was 20 and 6 & 1/2 months pregnant with my 1st and my Grandma taught me how to be a Mum. She had the patience of a saint, children were her world and she wanted to help everyone she ever met. I miss her every day.

[@greeneyes5894]

My sweet daddy was in the Navy and was in WWII and the Korean wars. He's passed away, but my mom will be 96 this July. She shares the same name as yourself. She lives with my husband and i. My mom was from North Carolina, but we lived in Virginia up until 1979.

[@racheladams5299]

The meatloaf stuffed baked potatoes look really delicious. A trick my Aunt taught me about meatloaf since it is rather dense poke your finger in the meatloaf leaving a little tunnel when the tunnel is filled in the meatloaf is done. She told me it allows the meatloaf to cook more evenly. To this day I always do that when making meatloaf I have been cooking over 60 years.

[@lisamr40]

Thanks for remembering the women who went through that difficult time. My grandmom was born in 1917. She had my dad in 1942. My grandfather was called to duty, to serve in the Army during Ww2, not long after. At some point he was captured by the Germans. He was rescued and returned to the USA. He had severe PTSD and was often hospitalized. My grandmom worked full time and basically raised their 2 sons on her own. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away on my 7th Birthday in 1976. I would have loved to have known him longer. My grandmother died when I was 21. I miss her terribly. She was a kind, loving, strong woman and if I could be half the woman she was I would be grateful. Great video, as always!❤❤

[@jeanspeer4053]

I know what you mean cooking for two! We are empty nesters now, good thing my husband loves leftovers and our daughter stops by during her break at work to help with leftovers as well. Miss it though when feeding is something you love to do and get great pleasure out of it.

[@NancySchmidt-r4l]

I agree with your regrets about not asking your grandparents about their life experiences. I wish that I had talked with them and my parents more about the depression and WWII. My folks were born in 1915 and 1918 so they too lived during these historic times. They were married just a month and a half before Pearl Harbor, so my dad, as an engineer, was shipped off to England to work as a mechanic in the Army Air Corps and my mother moved in with his folks because they lived closer to where she worked as a lab technician. Before he left for England, my folks had a period in their marriage that was especially happy for them. Because my mother had a marketable skill and could get a job anywhere, she followed my dad to all his US training assignments which included New Orleans and Boise Idaho. But, I do wish that I knew more. I do enjoy your channel so much, and look forward to seeing what you do next - I am so impressed with your creativity when it comes to budget cooking. Happy International Women’s Day to you as well!

[@lucyphenicie5236]

M

[@SuziQ1953]

I love food history and old recipe books. My mom who is 94 told me during WWII they only had margarine but it was white and the package included yellow food dye to mix in-mimicking butter.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

there was a tip on how to properly color margarine in the book, i wasn't sure what it was referring to, now I know :)

[@tinashaver2373]

If I remember right it was called “oleo”. My pappy called it that.

[@savannahellis8888]

There is a couple of channels on here that solely focus on cooking dishes from history. Cooking history with Max(?maybe it's max...?) (something.... I can't remember his last name...) is a really cool channel bc he has a ton of videos where he picks a time period or an event, takes a dish from it and gives history on the time period or event as well as the dish and prepares and tastes the dish he chose that he made as close to period accurate as he can with today's ingredients and equipment.

[@sarafactorial]

​@@savannahellis8888Tasting History with Max Miller :)

[@wolchfam]

My mother told me that too. No wonder people liked butter more- plus it taste better.

[@laurenzieger9617]

That letter from your grandfather is so precious! I may or may not be crying a bit reading it. Thank you for sharing your family with us. It is easy to believe your dad and grandmother were amazing people because apples don't fall far from their trees and we know how wonderful you are!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It makes me tear up Everytime I read it as well ❤️

[@tiffanysadlertlc]

What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother! ❤I know she would be so proud of you and the content you put out!

[@vbate103]

It’s heartwarming to read your grandfather’s words describing the love he has for his family back home, and how much he misses them. And what he describes seeing in that abandoned death camp is just heartbreaking. What a wonderful piece of personal history you have there in your grandfather’s letter!❤

[@vickifrakes9488]

This was one of your best videos. My Dad was in WW2, stationed in Germany. I asked him questions, but he never wanted to talk about it. I do know he was a Pharmacist aide and contracted diphtheria. He had to have several shots a day and was in the hospital for a very long time. I do have photos of him in a wheelchair at the hospital.

[@janetjohnston8243]

A hint for the potato meatloaf. You could have boiled the potatoes halfway and put in fridge overnight or make earlier and let cool. That would make digging out the centers so much easier. Everything looked delicious. Great job.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Next time for sure! It’s something I would definitely make again

[@craftiebrown]

She was just following the given recipe.

[@pigoff123]

My mom cooked most dinners in her pressure cooker. She had dinner served quickly. She was amazing.

[@deidrebee1]

Modern pigs are bred to be leaner than back then. Heritage breeds still have fat. That's a great looking meal you made.

[@tcctocrazytccarson7309]

That's good to know ♡

[@ketoauntie7301]

Heritage bred pork is the healthiest too, but more expensive. They are pasture-raised as well.

[@pbalexa1]

For a while now, I have very much enjoyed your videos. I don't know why, since I shop mainly at Walmart or one of the other regular supermarkets near my home. You have given me more about how to cook than about meal planning and you, of course, have a very pleasant personality and are an easy listening sort. This video was great. The white gravy did seem a bit odd but I do know cream gravies were pretty common. Maybe it has more nutritional value. The WWII generation certainly were "The Greatest Generation".

[@veronica978]

I think you are correct about the bacon. My mom was born in 1935 and never bought anything other than thick bacon. Thinking about it most of their bacon probably came from home grown hogs. They didn’t have meat slicers at home like butchers have or that we can now buy for home use. That meatloaf potato looks good.

[@kristinebautz1859]

I know what you mean about wanting more time with grandparents. My grandparents all passed before I was 18 years old. As a teenager we don't appreciate our family the way we should sometimes. I learned more about all my grandparents through stories from family members, but it leads to more questions that I wish I could ask these days. Wonderful tribute to your grandparents and father ❤

[@melindastookey3831]

Your plastic wrap comment got me wondering, so I looked it up 1949 was when saran wrap was 1st introduced. Thank you 😊 you always make your videos a learning experience ❤

[@rennielepine]

If you boil bacon fat and water (equal parts) together for about 5 minutes then leave it to cool you end up with bland fat that can be used for baking sweet baked goods.Once it's cooled the liquid underneath the fat can be discarded.

[@The3Storms]

I’ve never tried this, thank you for the tip.

[@rangerannie5636]

I've heard that if you repeat the "washing" 3 times, the clean bacon fat can be used to make soap. 🧼

[@Greet2012]

I think as we get older many of us feel that way about our passed elders. I’m growing my first garden this year and I think about how many questions I wish I could ask my grandma!

[@uhsaywhatnow]

I love that you honored your grandmother on Women’s Day! We should all take a moment on this day to remember the work of the women who came before us. 💗

[@rennielepine]

Thickened up a bit more that soup would be a fancy version of country gravy. Bet it would be awesome with meatballs over rice.

[@The3Storms]

👀 you have discovered Midwestern American loco moco and I am here for it.

[@mng3jg7]

I will attempt to be concise, sry in advance if I ramble. Only recently found your channel, I love your creativity. When I saw this video, I thought, why did this never occur to me before! Meatloaf & potatoes go perfectly together, this is even better! I was determined to make it and the soup (ended up not having enough onions for both & just tried the meatloaf, but I had thought that I would take half of the scraped out potatoes & put them in the soup :D) I tripled the recipe and made 13,but I did 6 in bell peppers. Baked em all the same time, both delicious! Also I seriously thought about the difficulty of emptying the potatoes & if there was a purpose of using raw. I came up with raw would absorb grease better & be infused with more flavor. So I copied slicing the top off from you, but then I took a knife & cut a grid deep into the potato & used a grapefruit spoon to get it scraped out. It honestly worked really well. Ty for your content & the why's, because I love those too.

[@9inchtablet]

That is a laborious dinner after working a 10 hour shift. I can see why my grandfather's parents and grandparents cooked the way they did. He said most of the times they would just throw some meat and vegetables in the oven or make a one-pot dinner like Hoppin' John. Especially on top of the fact that his grandparents prepared their own ingredients like mill the flour and corn meal or off the animals themselves for the meat.

[@TanninValerian]

Please tell me more about hoppin' john. I am very interested to hear about that meal. I have never heard of it.

[@9inchtablet]

@@TanninValerian It's basically some kind of cow peas (beans) cooked with rice and whatever meat you got like ham hocks, turkey necks, sausage, etc. all in one big pot. Some folks add vegetables like okra too. My grandfather usually uses sea island red peas but I think most folks out of the south use black-eyed peas. Goes great with greens and corn bread on the side.

[@hopehasty5039]

Rebecca, I love watching your videos so much- and this one was especially great! My parents were born in 1940 and 1942. They got married at 15 and 17, and had sister when they were 16 and 18, then my brother 2 years later. Then 14 years LATER, my mom's friends still had little ones while she had teenagers.... and she conveniently "forgot" to take her birth control, lol-- so I've always said I was a surprise for my dad, but not for my mom! 😊😄 My mom learned everything about cooking from my dad's mom, who had 7 kids plus numerous farm hands and other relatives around all the time- so I would bet there's several recipes in that book that I'd recognize, too! I've always been a "why" person, too-, and history that I can relate to is still fascinating to me.... There's more I was going to write- but I'll save it for now, because I'm pretty sure I'll be commenting on other videos later! Thank you so much for sharing with us- makes me feel like an extended part of your family! 💗

[@daisyd90]

Such a great video! I really loved the excerpts from the book. I can't imagine working 10 hours then coming home and cooking a full dinner! Especially on top of other household chores. Thank you for sharing the information about your grandmother and father. 😊

[@lanedaw811]

Try working 12-14 as a nurse, people still do it today.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

back then the average family had 4+ children, compared to modern society where the average is 1 to 2. It's still hard today, but we now have modern conveniences of dishwashers and laundry machines

[@jerrieanderson2245]

Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

[@ndnmomma78]

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Happy international women’s day! ❤️

[@tiffanysadlertlc]

I know it’s not the same as having a family there but we’re sort of like family and really enjoy the videos!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I agree! And I can virtually share the meals with you all!

[@deborahthatcher9511]

Agreed!! Thx Rebecca!

[@tiffanysadlertlc]

@@DollarTreeDinners ❤️

[@dennisfrench8225]

I adore you for keeping our history alive my folks grew up in that era and went through it I am almost 66 and cook for my wife and I and use recipes like this so please show more I totally enjoy!!!! Thank you much

[@quz908]

When I read your grandpa's letter to your grandma I almost wept. Among his love letter to her, he was describing the Holocaust. How heartbreaking. Thank you for allowing us to share your precious memories.

[@aslfdjalskjflkajs134]

I wonder if there are any older folks in your area that would enjoy a big "family dinner" with the food they remember eating growing up?

[@DollarTreeDinners]

that's what someone else suggested too! I'll have to see if there are any services in my area that help seniors and may want some meal donations

[@margaretwestlake7926]

My father was born in 1914. He volunteered early to get trained to go to WWII because he wanted very much to move back to El Centro where he had been in the CCC. He was in the horse cavalry for a tiny bit until they mechanized them and decided he made a really good tank mechanic. This was lucky for him as while he was in the European theater including many famous battles and also liberating a concentration camp (Flossenberg), it meant he was only shot at twice. It was awful work cleaning and fixing the tanks after they came back from men dying in them, but he never complained about it. He was autistic (didn't speak until he was 2.5 years old). He was very kind and very smart. He was 52 when I was born and I'm his oldest. My mother was 24. He was the cook in our household as my mother was the youngest of 8 kids and quite spoiled. I learned to cook from him as early as I possibly could.

[@eathomelive]

When I chop celery for soups and such, I always chop the leaves with the celery and put them in what I am making. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. Also, don't throw away the inner white pieces. They are so tender and are delicious dipped in ranch as a snack.

[@db5960]

Thanks for that advice!! Also : when I see my celery is starting to go “soft” , or I know I won’t be cooking with it before it goes soft , then I quickly chop it up and freeze it in usable portions and works perfect in cooking! Never thought of chopping up & using the leaves. Thanks! I usually just give those to my bunny. 🐰 😊

[@gingerhitzke9185]

I swear the celery leaf has all the flavor. It’s so good. I love when I find celery at the grocery store that is full of leaves. Farmers Market is the best place to get bushy celery.

[@Olive_O_Sudden]

Tip for proofing dough in a warm place: Inside an oven with the oven light on. The warmth from the bulb is sufficient.♥

[@shimmerysummersun]

Thank you for sharing about your grandparents and your grandfather's letter. I can only imagine how hard it must have been on him and his fellow troops to stay somewhere where such atrocities occurred.

[@sunshine4ever783]

My parents went through World War II in Holland. My mom told me quite a bit of what happened with her and her family and friends. It was a very tough time for all of them as well. It's amazing how much they expected of women back then. I'm surprised more women didn't hightail it out of there rather then deal with all that. 😜 Both my parents are gone and I am sad that I can't have more conversation with them as well. As always you're an inspiration and it's fun learning about the old days and what our forefathers and mothers had gone through. Your dinner looked delicious. 😋👍

[@shelzp7272]

Thanks for introducing us to your Grandma and we’ll be proud of you for her. 🎶

[@lucyalderman422]

The cold oven with the light on is perfect for temperature

[@rangerannie5636]

I was able to locate a used copy of your book for $8.79 + $3.75 shipping + sales tax. Total $13.31 Thank you for featuring it! ❤ Sacramento, California USA 🇺🇸

[@wotawanancy3249]

My mom was born in 1909. She and dad lived thru the Depression and WWll. Im so glad I would sit and listen to all my relatives talk about those years. It was a tough time but they learn to make do with rationing, all of it. And yes this kind of cooking was the way it was and nothing went to waste. Yes they were the greatest generation. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jacquespoulemer3577]

Rebecca, Mike and fellow viewers, When I think I know what your up to you take a quick left turn and pleasantly surprise me. Seeing your parents and grandparents memorabilia was pure nostalgia for me. Whereas with you it was your grandparents who were in the WW2, with me it was my parents. (My grandparents were in WW1) Both my mom and dad were born in 1920 and were 23 when my dad went overseas. My mom had the 1943 edition (of the 1931) Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer. That book has been with me all my life up til now. You can find recipes for anything you might need online from the older editions of the JoC. As an exercise you could take this menu and think of how it could be made Greek, Indian, Chinese, Polish, Egypitan, Peruvian, etc etc so many ways to vary our eating Hugs to all. Best Wishes Jim Mexico

[@dwynn57]

wow! my dad was in WWII, my sisters knew both my parents much better than me or my other siblings because they were so much older then we were! but my sister always talks about how much my dad was away on TDY's. The households, everyone worked! the mom was probably the one that worked in the kitchen the most, but young girls were taught from a very young age to help. enjoyed the vid and history lesson! thanks for sharing! xoxo

[@evieoleson4401]

I for sure wanna try that potato meatloaf recipe. I wonder how well they would freeze (I live by myself)

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I can't imagine that it wouldn't freeze well, seems like a perfect freezer meal option to me

[@tinasanders6955]

What twice baked means to me is that the potatoes were baked first and then hollowed out. And then baked again with the meat and cooked potato mixture. Thanks for a great video!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Definitely, and that’s how I would prefer to do it, it would have been much easier but that’s not how it was done according to the book 😃

[@shariwuebben7280]

This would be a great way to stretch a little bit of meat!

[@sharonr.177]

I like to add celery leaves to salads! I also chop them and add them to dips for the celery flavor without having chunks of raw celery.

[@OZARKMOON1960]

It is crazy that they thought women would get up, make breakfast (and lunch) for the family - then head off to factory. So she started at what? 8:30 am? Even then, the work shift would end at 6:30 and dinner started after that? Two hours to cook and supper isn't until 8:30 pm? I don't know about every factory, but the painting (of airplanes) factory my mom worked at in Dayton, OH had 3 shifts of 8 hours each - as did the 2nd one she worked in after finding out she was adversely affected by paint fumes. Many of them were single women, living in boarding houses where the 'house mother' did most of the cooking. No matter who was cooking, it was a challenge and involved so much labor to prepare or plant and harvest the items, along with getting creative in how to feed a family of X number on Y amount of items each month.

[@nancycarney]

I am of Scottish heritage and my hubby is full blooded Irish. I enjoy trying international foods. I recently discovered Great Depression meals and the struggles and the great potato famine in Ireland/Europe. My heart is full of all their struggles to survive. Great Job and and a "high five" for all your efforts to recreate this meal.

[@HOOKEMHORNSGAL1978]

I loved this so much. My grandpa was in WWII, and as a young military wife years ago, my grandma had a lot of good info. Like you, I wish I had asked more questions etc. ❤

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Everyone needs to read that cookbook , especially those that say stupid things like my granny put sugar in her green bean, carrots, and potato salad . Sugar like flour, butter, meat , sweet tea, and gasoline because these things were rationed. So we all know sugar wouldn't be wasted on vegetables or tea and coffee. Tea was sweetened with fruit, and coffee was mainly black or with dry and canned. milk.

[@rosemariemichel7050]

Looks yummy! My Mom was born in 1929. She baked with lard or Crisco.

[@dianebaker5243]

Thank you for showing this food from world war 2.❤

[@cheryleddy5677]

My Dad was stationed overseas and my Mom was a Aircraft Factory worker as well as running her own Beauty Shop. She would get her dinner ready 4 the next day before she went to bed. Since she had a gas stove with a pilot light she would put rolls, veggies and potatoes in the oven before she left to run Beauty Shop. When she got home, she turned on oven after putting meat in and baking all til done. Usually the potatoes took less time and veggies might be fully cooked when she got ready to turn on oven. Some of her wartime recipes were my favorites

[@normaesteva3698]

Thank you for the excellent video about World War II dinners. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, I quickly learned how to start a food storage and to ration food items missing in the grocery stores. I do admire my late grandmothers for raising their families during the depression era and providing nutritious meals to their families.

[@ninaking5181]

Thank you so much for sharing your letter.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

You are so welcome! I’m glad I have it to share

[@KapricornKary]

My thought at the beginning of the video was that it would bland. But by the end you certainly ptoved me wrong. I def want to try the potato meatloaf. Also, my mom used to make potato soup with ground beef & onions when i was growing up. I loved it n havent had it in years. It wasnt a cream soup, more beef broth than anything. I would love to see your version of it!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It sounds like a fantastic meal to try! I love the broth idea but I also liked the creaminess of the milk based soup

[@SevenDeadlyChins7]

Loved this Rebecca ❤️ can we perhaps do a mini series of what they ate in 1700..1800..1900 etc 😀 hope you and yours are well xx this is where they gkt the Jacket potatoe idea from we have them here in the uk every other week for a lunch Alot of my family history regarding food when times were tough..breakfasts were jam and bread and hot tea...soup and bread lunch and only a hotmeal in the evening which was usually a stew that never left the open fire and was constantly topped up ..nowadays we are spoilt our food plates have literally quadrupled

[@ravinhud4979]

I get your sense of regret. I wish i asked more questions of my grandparents. My grandfather on mom's side was born in 1919. Granny was 10 years younger.

[@donnaparr8372]

Wow, this video and its comments are really tearing me up. I love your videos as always, and you can definitely see your grandmother and dad in you, such a sweet and kind person you are. Happy International Women's Day!!

[@kathy3178]

I always enjoy watching your videos. This one was so far my favorite. I really enjoyed hearing about your family history. My daughter's name is Mary after my Grandma. She was a teenager during WWII. Her dad was too old to serve overseas so he did his part on the home front.

[@kyleeleelee2437]

Love this. I’m in my 20’s and my dad was born in 1943. I only was able to meet one grandparent before she passed and this is such a good reminder to spend as much time and learn as much as I possibly can from him. Thank you! Love your content.

[@GarouLady]

PS - you could always do big meals and then see if there are any elderly or single people in need in your area (or cancer patients too exhausted to cook for themselves), that would appreciate gladly a home cooked meal or two considering the size of those potatoes.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

That’s a great idea! Like a meal sharing program, I would love the opportunity to cook for someone.

[@ellefirebrand]

Your grandma was gorgeous! I can see the family resemblance. This is a fantastic video and that cookbook sounds awesome. My grandma was also a 1940s homemaker who loved to cook, so this video gave me all the vibes. Also that menu looks so yummy! As always, love your content. :)

[@crystalchillura9614]

I wish I could put food in the oven before it comes to temp. My oven scorchers food if it's pre-heating. I think it uses the broiler to come to temp.

[@larkendelvie]

One of our family gotos when I was growing up was creamed potatoes and peas -- this sort of reminded me of it because my mom would put the creamed potatoes and peas on everything from meatloaf patties (hamburgers she'd add oatmeal and onions to stretch) or fish patties (canned tuna or salmon mixed with crushed saltines and egg). This meal was always served with carrot sticks and canned peaches. Thanks for reminding me.

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

I wonder... I bet the potatoes were cut in half then hollowed into boats... that would be easier. And little ones could have one boat and grownups two. Bread crumbled and dipped in the soup for your solid bites.

[@bridgeotto3320]

Love the videos, but I think it'd be good to add a disclaimer that putting glassware in the oven while it's preheating can cause the glass to shatter. This may be different with borosilicate glass (like PYREX), but most glassware is soda-lime glass (like pyrex) and will shatter. I think it'd be good to let people know before they attempt it.

[@loriann3896]

I didn’t know that. Thank you for the education!

[@Shadoweyes07]

Omg, that letter was beautiful and heart breaking at the same time. Thank you for sharing that with us :) ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I’m glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@AlienShuttlecraft]

No breadcrumbs or egg in the meatloaf? I love it! Thank you for the wonderful video.

[@groovetoons]

How wonderful to finally meet another "why" person! Please keep up the excellent content, much appreciated! ☺

[@heatherhopfinger3942]

for family pets in the late 1970s my mom have a doberman mix and a pure bread doberman they were tuna fans as was my sisters tabby cat

[@jillgott6567]

Interesting video and great dinner. Very hardworking women and men in that generation. Would it have worked to have placed the potatos in the oven while the rolls were baking then the potatos would be softer to hollow out but would not be fully cooked ? Also thank you for talking b g about your family. They would be proud of you

[@heatherhopfinger3942]

my mom was born July 24 1935 a home birth in East st Louis Illinois before my grandma born in 1907 and my grandpa born in the late 1890s moved to Cahokia Illinois because there was an interstate to serve as a way the original purpose of the interstate in the Eisenhower era was to transport heavy military equipment. Well my uncles both my moms step bros served in WWII my uncle my moms bro born in 1927 served as army police at the Nazi war criminal trial My moms other bro born in 1931 served as a cook in the Marines and well my moms sister born in 1929 did not serve she was a housewife My eldest sister was born in 1960 she is a first responder paramedic my second eldest sister born in 1962 she had a birthday a few days ago My brother born in 1964 died of kidney disease age 50 in 2012 I was born July 23 1976 on the Missouri side of the river my mom did share a tidbit about WWII my grandma baked cookies and sent them in tins to the front to the boys the problem organic not store bought cookies were crumbs by the time they got there there was an Eagle stamp book the last time you could redeem those stamps was at one store in the local mall in the early 1980s. In WWII you had a ration book we did not have a lot of radar equipment that could tell you if there were enemies flying overhead so in East St Louis Illinois and Cahokia now Cahokia Heights Illinois so the street lights and electric were cut until planes passed overhead. At that time there were meat packing plants a lot of industry down in East St Louis Illinois a Movie theater called the Majestic. People had gardens in Cahokia despite Cerro Copper being not to far up the road in Sauget Illinois Dupo Illinois Prairie Du Pont was Known as another place for trades Also Holtens Meat like the hamburger patties I do not know if they come from Sauget or East Carondelet anymore but that is where those beef patties from Dollar tree still do or used to come from. At that time Monsanto was also in Sauget Illinois now Monsanto is Beyer Factory yes the Aspirin people. But Rationing was part of going to like Schnucks or National stores or whatever stores they had back then The Phillips Petroleum Pipes when a storm with lightening knocked them out a volunteer fireman had to climb up and relight them and to this day Sauget is also famous for the tire fire there were in WWI WWII Korean war and Vietnam war we had air wardens you knew them because they wore a shiny green bomber jacket

[@katv1195]

Thank you! By the way, fruit cobblers are delicious with a mix of apples or pears and rhubarb, and a quarter of the flour replaced with oats or muesli. The stuffed potatoes are a good idea to explore for budget recipes. I can see the potato being microwaved, scooped out and stuffed with beans or diced potato mixed with pasta sauce etc

[@thatdollguy813]

Another great video!! I just love your compassion and genuine sincerity in the care that you show in the dignity of others!

[@pattyvarela2703]

Your cooking is great love the way you show people how to budget their food.im one who doesn't use a budget but I need to thanks for some ideas

[@donl1410]

Cross hatch and undercut the potato will make it easier to scoop out. Then use a spoon to clean up as necessary.

[@joannreinhold9430]

My family lived/grew up during the depression and my mom cooked “depression food”. One of the meals she made was a “hamburger gravy” (which was a browned hamburger in a white gravy) over baked potatoes.

[@jenniferstanderfer3323]

This was so fun to watch and im going to replicate that meal for my husband. Id love for you to do another dinner from the book.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I will do my best! It was fun to create and there are so many great recipes to try I had trouble picking a few

[@jenniferstanderfer3323]

@@DollarTreeDinners I was wondering if there were many recipes that caught your eye. Im thinking about buying a copy... worth it?

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Of any cookbooks that I own I think this is the most well put together book I’ve ever purchased. It’s very insightful, it has really fun information strewn throughout, and the recipes all seem great so far!

[@jenniferstanderfer3323]

@@DollarTreeDinners bought it ♡

[@Shawnsatisfiedwife]

To prevent any tears while cutting onions use a sharp knife and rinse the onion after you skinned it and rinse the knife. Trust me it works

[@RedKittieKat]

My Mom was born in 44. She would have just turned 80 on March 1st. My Grandmother and Great Grandmother talked of their "Victory Gardens" and how everyone pulled together. If there was limited space each family would grow a couple different things and then all share. They took care of each other during war times back then. 🥰

[@victoriacross7090]

Thank you so much for sharing that heartfelt dedication to your grandmother in the beginning! it's so amazing how she lives on through your sweet personality. BTW.. you have a family of 135k and growing to cook for ;) Thank you as always Rebecca!

[@charlottetacy6729]

My mom and dad were both born in 1928 and had me when they were 40. I grew up with my mom using crisco and margarine for most baking. I still think her pie crust made with canned Crisco was the flakiest and tastiest pie crust I’ve ever had. Thanks for doing this. It brought back a lot of memories for me. ❤

[@chrisharmon5453]

The only part of celery I enjoy is the leaves preferably young ones.

[@charylliss3741]

I include the leafy parts of celery in my lettuce salads.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It was really good! I think celery has a natural peppery flavor so I really enjoyed the leafy bits in the gravy

[@sherrylewis9327]

That sounds really good and I have NO idea why I never thought of it! LOL, thanks!

[@sharimullinax3206]

I was blessed to have my Grandma until I was 50. She passed at 99 1/2 on my birthday. I feel she blessed my on my special day. That was 15 years back and I miss her every day. She never worked outside the home. She was a mom to 8, one who was premature and died at a couple of hours old. The meatloaf potatoes looks delicious. ❤

[@olafgypsy]

What a fun way to honor your grandma! I am guessing folks may already have mentioned this cookbook to you, but if not, I think the cookbook “Good and Cheap” by LeAnne Brown would be right up your alley. It was the master’s thesis of someone in public health communication and it’s meant to show people on a food stamp budget how to prepare tasty, healthy meals. That book and this channel are kind of my Bibles of tasty, cheap, balanced diet cooking!

[@lindanizamoff7981]

my grandparents always kept bacon fat on their stove so I'm sure they would have done that too.

[@7passionstar]

2 minutes in and I already ADORE this video! Thank you so much! ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm so glad! It was fun to make ❤️

[@raelenelabby6407]

Love this idea

[@allyt717]

That is my exact situation with my grandparents - I regret so much not spending more time with them. And asking more questions. But I was in high school, they died when I was 17. Love your videos, thanks for doing these history ones!!!

[@pattyburkhart3270]

My mom grew up on a farm during the depression. My grandmother cooked on a wood stove. Mom said desert was bread with milk. They had a dairy cow. And if they had any sugar, they would put some on it too!

[@crescentmoon374]

Thanks for sharing ! I def.want to try these recipes ~ you are always full of surprises and I appreciate you sharing something different ! 💕 your grandmother was a beauty !

[@lauraparker2334]

Rebecca- another terrific video!! I especially love how much you enjoy the process!!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much!

[@WhitneyIreland]

My grandfather was born in 1923 and was also in WWII. His stories will forever live in my mind. He JUST passed away in September. One week after he turned 100 and just a few days after we celebrated his birthday with him where he walked in and out on his own and enjoyed the party like the rest of us before going back to his own home where he thankfully got to live full time. This is amazing that you are celebrating your grandmother. ❤