Apple Pandowdy - 1884

 

Photo by Jessica Johnston on Unsplash

A great dessert on the homestead, using items that are readily available. If you have a great apple harvest, or love using organic products, this recipe would be a great addition to your collection.  

Ingredients

6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1/2 cup brown sugar or cane sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup molasses or honey

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup butter or lard

1/2 cup milk or water

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.  In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses or honey. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Transfer the apple mixture to a greased cast-iron skillet or a deep baking dish. Add the water and spread the apples out evenly.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter or lard using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk or water and stir to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the apples, spreading it out somewhat but leaving some gaps for the apples to peek through.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. 

Homesteading Act of 1862

 

Library of Congress

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Homesteading in the 1800s was a crucial part of the westward expansion in the United States. The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant legislative measure that offered 160 acres of public land to settlers for a nominal fee. This act encouraged the settlement of the American frontier. To claim the land, settlers had to build a dwelling and cultivate the land for at least five years. This opportunity attracted thousands of families and individuals, including immigrants seeking a new start in America. The land was often rugged and required substantial effort. Settlers faced numerous challenges such as harsh weather conditions, isolation, and limited access to supplies and services.

In some cases, homesteaders could obtain additional land through other legislative measures. For instance, the Timber Culture Act of 1873 allowed settlers to claim an extra 160 acres if they planted and maintained a certain number of trees on the land. Similarly, the Desert Land Act of 1877 offered up to 640 acres of arid land to settlers who could irrigate and cultivate it. These acts collectively facilitated the settlement of vast tracts of land, shaping the agricultural landscape of the United States.