When Times Were Tough, What Did Central Minnesota Families Serve

One of the great things about doing live radio is sometimes you never know where the conversation will go.  

Get our free mobile app

Yesterday morning was one of those times.  A conversation about hot dogs and peach ice cream went into a conversation about the foods our parents served to us when we were kids when times were tough, and money was tight.  

Through our mobile app and Facebook page, we asked our listeners to share their memories of those times from their childhood. And as usual when we solicit input from our listeners, we got some great feedback.  

For my family in North Carolina, Vienna Sausages, Potted Meat Sandwiches, and Beanie Weenies, or Franks N’ Beans as y'all call them here in Minnesota, were the go-to foods.  

Stephanie chimed in with a staple for many people who have been in that situation, ramen noodles. She also added the store brand mac n’ cheese was added for variety.  

Sue added scrambled eggs with cream of mushroom soup mixed in with them. She said there were nine in her house, and a meal like that would go a long way.  

Cindy brought up the memory of powdered milk.  

The “go to” meal for Sandra was beans and rice, buttered crackers and cheap bread.  

Lissa contributed with cream of wheat. But it would be thinned out to make it last longer.

 Nikki’s family was partial to the grilled cheese sandwich in times like this.  

Lee said his parents would serve sliced hot dogs on sandwich bread with a piece of cheese on it, and then bake it in the oven.  

David added pinto beans were his mom's favorite to serve to their family when pennies were being crunched in his house.  

We’ve all faced times when we have to resort to serving the foods we like the least, but that are affordable. Here’s hoping that as you’re reading this, your family isn’t having to use these foods as much anymore.