Experiencing Meal Leftovers Before the Microwave Era: Stories and Stories
Every generation has its own unique experiences, and the era before microwaves offers a myriad of stories, both entertaining and cautionary. In this article, we delve into the experiences of individuals who clearly remember life before the convenience of microwaves, and how they handled meal leftovers.
Stories from an Earlier Time
Recalling my father’s incident, it is evident how culinary habits and practices have evolved over the decades. In the good old days, if there were leftover meals, they were not just stashed away in a cardboard box and placed in the oven. My father, a long-time law enforcement officer, had a hard lesson to learn about basic fire safety. He mistakenly placed a leftover pizza, including the cardboard box, in the oven to warm it up. The box was clearly a fire hazard, emitting a noxious smell and smoke, which could have been disastrous. While I wasn't angry, I was certainly surprised, and I couldn't help but giggle. He was entrusted with a firearm and driven around in a fully equipped law enforcement vehicle, yet fire safety seemed to be one area he overlooked. This incident certainly made me question the use of tax dollars in such matters.
The Pre-Microwave Convenience Era
Those who lived during the era before microwaves often used other methods to heat up leftovers. Surprisingly, many did not have leftovers as they cooked everything consumed within the day. For instance, before I got married, we used to cook only on Sundays and freeze meals for the week. These meals were stored in casserole dishes and reheated with a simple turn of the oven. Later, when my husband came home from work, he would place the casserole in the oven with a pot of water on the stove to simmer. Dinner was ready in minutes. Leftovers were typically reheated in a saucepan or frying pan, or even in the oven, if needed. Once my husband left for college after returning home from work, we didn’t have much time for cooking, so our system of meal preparation and reheating worked well.
Farm Family Dining Practices
Farm life had its own unique approach to meal leftovers. Breakfast was often a huge meal, with dishes like sausage or bacon, eggs, fresh biscuits, preserves, and even grits or pancakes. Lunch was also substantial, featuring vegetables like squash, butterbeans, or green beans, along with a variety of meats such as ham hocks, chuck roasts, or stewed chicken. Lunch leftovers were often covered with tea towels and left out for supper, making it a quick and efficient way to serve a meal. Supper was often enjoyed cold or at room temperature, and often included fresh biscuits or a loaf of sourdough bread. The dogs, of course, would be fed whatever scraps were left from supper, mixed with their dog chow.
Closing Thoughts
These stories illustrate how different the world was before the advent of microwaves. They highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our predecessors, who managed to make the most of their resources and time. While their methods may seem crude by today's standards, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and remind us of the value of simple pleasures and ingenuity.