Part 8/11:
Pioneers were not roughing it at every meal; in fact, they devised remarkable ways to create satisfying, "fancy" dishes. They understood the value of using available ingredients creatively, crafting everything from bread—a staple item made with saleratus (baking soda) or homemade starters—to pies and cakes, often for celebrations like the Fourth of July.
William Swain’s diary entry described a lavish Independence Day meal that included ham, beans, apple pie, and even brandy. The importance of these culinary pleasures cannot be overstated, as they provided a much-needed morale boost amid the rigors of travel.