Looking for some delicious recipes to brighten up your spring meals? This post features 1940s recipes and a menu using these recipes. From savory mains to sweet desserts, these recipes are sure to add some vintage charm to your table.
In the 1940s many families were growing Victory Gardens so it’s no surprise that magazines at the time had a lot of recipes that included things that could be grown in your garden.
A spring issue of Better Homes & Gardens in the 1940s had a whole section of recipes and menu ideas titled “Bring Spring to Your Table!”
This is when seasonal eating wasn’t just a trend but a necessity. While we have more access now to ingredients all year long it can still help you save money by eating seasonally, it’s also better for the planet.
If you want to try to eat more seasonal meals this spring why not try some of these 1940s recipes?
1940s Recipes – Spring Menu
I have included links to recipes for the ones I can find. If there is one with no recipe and you’d like me to try and make it to share let me know.
Monday
- Radish and Cress Bouquet
- Fish Fillets with Tartare Sauce
- Whole Green Beans with Pimiento Strips
- Strawberry Shortcake
Tuesday
- Tomato Slices, Cauliflower, Cucumber Fan
- Ham-Pineapple Roll-ups
- Creamed Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
- Orange Chiffon Pie
Wednesday
- Scallions, Carrot Sticks, Green Pepper Rings
- Lamb Chops- Toast Crisscross
- Creamed New Potatoes and Garden Peas
- Coffee Float
Thursday
- Tomato Wedges, Celery Curls, Ripe Olives
- Creamed Chicken with Cheese Shortcakes
- Honeyed Yams, Fresh Asparagus
- Fruit Cocktail with Molasses Cookies
Friday
- Raw Turnip Slices, Carrot Curls
- Poached Eggs in Green Rice Nests
- Spinach with Rice
- Baked Rhubarb Toasted Rye Crisp
Saturday
- Green Onions, Icicle Radishes
- Toasted Frankfurter Rolls
- Quick New Cabbage, Scalloped Potatoes
- Chocolate Cake
Sunday
- Tossed Spinach Salad
- Baked Potato Slices on Bacon Strips
- Spring Vegetable Medley
- Quick Vanilla Pudding with Fresh Strawberries
It’s always interesting to me to see dessert included with every meal in vintage meal plans. I’m sure not everyone did this but I know one of my grandma’s usually served dessert with dinners.
Usually the desserts seem to be fruit based which is a good idea from a nutrition standpoint and of course great for a spring menu.
Modern Meal Planning
A simple notepad is likely how a 1940s housewife planned her meals but we have so many options now. One simple option is my meal planner. It’s printable so you can start using it right away.
It’s the perfect place to plan your own 1940s spring menu to try out. You can also keep track of all the recipes you try and want to have again.
Get your own retro meal planner!
Deanna M. Piercy says
We’ve given up sugar for Lent so those desserts sound pretty tasty to me about now – ha!