Looking for a fun way to combine history and science for younger students? Food in Kansas is a free download from the Kansas Historical Society that fits the bill.
Food in Kansas takes young cooks back in time on a culinary journey through Kansas, discovering the foods associated with different groups and settings:
- Native Americans.
- Early settlers.
- Soldiers and officers of the 1860s.
- Cowboys.
- Settlers from Europe.
- Harvey Houses and railroads.
- Early 1900s farms.
- The birth of fast food.
Several features provide a well-rounded introduction to the topic:
- Historical background.
- Quotes from primary sources.
- Photos of artifacts.
- Information on nutrition and sound food choices.
But the centerpiece of the PDF is the recipes. Young cooks and historians will have clear directions for preparing traditional foods, including:
- Jerky.
- Pemmican.
- Johnnycake.
- Popcorn.
- Hardtack.
- Cowboy beans.
- Sauerkraut.
- Pfeffernüsse.
- Watermelon pickles.
- Pancakes.
- Baking powder biscuits.
- Hamburgers.
- And more!
While clearly geared toward younger children, there is enough solid historical work in this document to intrigue anyone with an interest in Kansas food history. Enjoy!
Homestead on the Range 