Please be patient we want to make this book just as special as Clara's videos.
Thanks,
Christopher
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Clara
About Me
- Clara
- Clara is a 94 year old cook and Great Grandmother. She is 100% Sicilian-American and grew up in a Chicago suburb, Melrose Park. She survived the Great Depression and claims to have actually gained weight during America's worst state of financial despair. How did she accomplish this? Check out her cooking show and discover her secret! Feel free to leave Clara a note at: DepressionCooking@gmail.com
I think it's wonderful taping your greatgrandmothers cooking. I wish I had my grandmothers recipes for she was a great cook.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best thing that you could have done to record history. Watching your grandmother has made me remember my own grandmothers and their cooking and stories. Both of my grandmothers lived during the Great Depression. One was an adult in her 30's and the other a teenager. Both were great cooks and had work ethics of steel. That is hard to find these days.
ReplyDeleteI will be making the Poor Man's Meal tonight for dinner. I have all of the ingredients and I can not wait to start.
My grandmother grew up in the depression. She taught me how to cook and it is amazing the meals she would make out of almost hardly anything. The food tasted good and was good for you.
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC. I never have enjoyed "gourmet" cooking. Actually I have never enjoyed cooking! This is all we need. Who needs those recipes that take an hour to shop for, another hour to measure out, another one to prepare, and a couple to clean up after. Healthy, basic, delicious meals.
ReplyDeleteWhere have you been?
Thank you Clara for sharing your recipes with everyone! They are wonderful and my family and I love listening to your stories. It reminds us of our Grandmothers. :)
ReplyDeleteI love watching Clara. My mother and grandmother were great cooks but they never took the time to teach me. I felt like she was my great-grandma teaching me. I can't wait for her cookbook to come out and I hope it will be published soon. Clara you're amazing and I love all of the stories you shared. Especially about the neighbor who wanted to rummage your garden for veggies.
ReplyDeleteI just love that you're taking the time to share all of this with everyone. We recently decided to expand our garden and get chickens for the very reasons you talk about. Thank you for the great recipes and stories from your life.
ReplyDeleteI commend you for this! This is a wonderful idea that puts a realness on history! I can't wait for the cookbook. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Clara! You remind me of my grandmother who was also Sicilian-American and grew up during the depression. She would make some of the same dishes that you do. Her homemade noodles, breads, and pizza were the best. Thanks for showing us how to make these wonderful dishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your Grandmother and her stories!
ReplyDeleteWhat you are accomplishing with these videos is going to help many generations to follow understand this important piece of history. I commend you on sharing your experience using videos and including your stories. My mother was a little girl in the depression and talked about the struggles; she managed to get through it much the same as you did, her father was a farmer and they too raised their own animals and grew their own food. Bless you and your wonderful grandson for sharing and helping us see that we can survive even in the toughest of times.
ReplyDeleteMary
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood evening Clara, I just watched your cooking videos . I don't even know how I found it. I was reading news stories and the next thing I know there you are.I really enjoyed them.I requested to add you to my Facebook, I hope you accept.My grandparents are gone now and my mom who will be 89 in May has Alzheimer's and use to tell us a lot of stories but we never recorded them or wrote them down. I wish now we had.Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Clara, you are so sweet and your stories are actually a comfort. My Grandmother use to cook just like you. She made many of the same dishes. One of my favorites was zucchini and eggs. She would cook chopped zucchini in her homemade tomato sauce then drop eggs in whole (like egg drop soup)till cooked. Her base was the same as yours, potatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Then her sauce then the eggs. Did you use to make that dish too? You remind me of her sooo much. I miss her, but thanks to your wonderful grandson we get to share you, what a treasure.
ReplyDeleteI love you Clara!
Oh, it will be worth the wait, indeed! Thank you so much for doing this! We can learn so much from the wisdom of the generations before us if only we will listen, and this will help us to do that!
ReplyDeleteClara, I was delighted to see your interview on Good Morning America this morning. It sounds like Emerile really liked your recipes. Keep on cooking and sharing those recipes!
ReplyDeleteSo many recipes we take for granted but they are in our Mother's head. Last yr. my mom sat down and wrote recipe cards for all the grandkids ...... You make me smile....
ReplyDeleteClara, I feel so lucky to have caught your segment on GMA this morning. I am an instant fan! I am going to request to add you as a fried on my Facebook. I will share your website amongst my friends & all who will listen as there is no doubt they will love you as well. Thank you for recipies your stories & your time. God bless you & your family!
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing us to your greatgrandmother, and thank you, Clara, for your willingness to share yourself with us all. I appreciate your stories, and am looking forward to trying out the recipes. Blessings to your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are sharing these recipes & your grandma with us! She is so cute! What a lucky lady to have a grandson who recognizes what a gem she is!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see these cooking videos closed or opened captioned for those with hearing problems. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI just came across you, Clara! I love you!! Thank you for doing this. We have become a selfish country and this is a great reminder of what we can do without and still survive. Keep the videos coming! Can't wait for your cookbook.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your cooking tips. I try to live frugally and I am a stay at home mom.
I love Clara! I love her wisdom and her wit! She is such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect idea~ and thank you for sharing Clara with the rest of us!! I have a daughter in the 4th grade - I plan on telling her teacher about your website, since they have recently learned about the Depression. Who better to learn from than someone who was there. Thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching your videos. you are a beautiful woman! I look foward to your cookbook.
ReplyDeleteShannon from PA
I just discovered Clara's videos today. What an awesome thing for you to create for your family and for the rest of us. Very timely with the world that way it is today. Clara is one of the sharpest 93 year olds I have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiration. Hopefully we will not be living through another depression. But if we do, we'll be ready.
ReplyDeleteMy family will be having lentils and rice tonight.
What a great collection of stories and history. I truly enjoyed watching and hearing Clara talk about her life. What a tresure to have recorded this. She reminds me of people I have known and adored in my life. Sometimes "back to the basics" is what life should be about. This is great!
ReplyDeleteI am abundantly blessed to view Clara and her Depression Cooking. I was so blessed to have two great grandmothers and a grandmother who cooked so well like your Clara. Thank you for taking back to all my memories of the smells in the kitchen. I can close my eyes and see them cooking. I will certainly buy the cookbook when it's finished. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteJust had a great time watching all of Clara's cooking shows on You Tube. I'm looking forward to the DVD. I also had a great cook named Clara for a grandmother (she was German though) and Clara so reminds me of her sweet nature and great sense of humor. My Grandma Clara also had many stories
ReplyDeleteabout the depression. I only wish we had written them down or tape recorded her before she died. I do have her sugar cookie recipe though. Sugar cookies must have been quite the "in" delicacy during the Depression.
Thank you to Clara and her grandchildren for sharing their family history with us. I'm sure it will help a lot of families get back to their roots.
God bless you all!
Mame
Thanks Clara for sharing your memories in such an inspirational way. It is priceless to see and hear what you and your family had to share. God Bless you. Jason
ReplyDeleteHi Clara,
ReplyDeleteI was born and raised at
1524 N 24th ave in Melrose Park. I used to be an altar boy at Mt. Carmel church. I live in Sacramento Ca.now. I really enjoyed your website.
God Bless.
Nick Jannuzio
I am going to be praying for you. Thank you for everything and your videos on utube. You are a wonderful inspiration to us. I love your cooking and I will buy your DVD as soon as it comes out. Thank you again and God bless you.
ReplyDeleteJoanne from Visalia, Ca
I remember watching one of Clara's episodes several weeks ago via a link (can't remember what the link was) and thinking "this is going to be a hit".
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the simple ingredients and especially the storytelling! It's what I loved so much about watching Lidia and her cooking shows on public television. Everything is made with love of family, friends and food.
I agree with others who said that this is a wonderful oral history and a great example of sharing with others, especially later generations.
Overall the timing is just right for Clara's show, with what is going on in our financial markets and serves as a reminder that what's past can also be a sign of what's to come.
Continued success and best wishes to you and your family, and especially your grandson - your series is well produced and edited (and I love your intro theme music!).
I'm looking forward to purchasing your DVD series and cookbook.
Faye
Clara,
ReplyDeleteI just caught your clip on GMA via the Yahoo homepage....just like I grew up on! My mother was born in '42 so she learned depression cooking (plus having 8 siblings, it was a necessity!) and has taught me, which in turn I cook for my own children as such (they are 8 and 10). This new idea of yours teaches us so many things. Living frugally, homecooked meals that don't need to be a 3 hour ordeal, meals the whole family can help with, and it will make us take the time to spend time together as a family. Its all about the basics!
As an end note, can you publish or include in your cookbook a list of necessities everyone should keep in their house? So many people I know shop everyday for their meals, help the people shop once a week. Thank you.
love the stories and the receipes
ReplyDeletecan't wait for the book!
keep it coming!!!
Thank you for doing this! I am motivated to cook one of these meals a week, I am sure that I can save money by doing so. Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
ReplyDeleteI cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy these beautiful videos. They bring back many memories. When I was in highschool my grandmother taught me how to make gnocchi which is our family comfort food.
ReplyDeleteI love clara's stories and her spunk and can't wait for the cookbook.
I just want to say Thank You Clara! My 3 year old Jamie and I have seen all your videos . Great food of the past and history, Jamie will say to me Mom can we have story time with cooking.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Your a hit in our house!
Lori San Diego CA
I will eagerly be awaiting for Miss Clara's DVD and Cookbook to be made available for purchase on the internet.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear from someone who not only survived the Great Depression but is willing to share her experiences and teach us some practical ways in which we can feed our families in these anxious days. Through your gentle teaching your strength is imparted to us and reassures us that we can endure hard economic times.
God bless you Miss Clara for sharing your memories and recipes with us all.
Ciao Clara from Sicily. Keep the good Italian/Sicilian food tradition going. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteMy Italian grandmother as well as my Italian grandfather on my father's side were both terrific cooks. They also had to learn to deal with the Great Depression. When I was growing up, my father reacted to years of meatless meals by wanting meat at every meal. One day, for some reason, he made a skillet dish with potatoes, onions, garlic and green peppers. I loved it. He laughed and called it "Depression Hash." Italian cooking is, by its nature, frugal. That might surprise some people. My son has inherited the family cooking gene and loves to experiment with foods that have what he calls a "frugal factor." It's called the Iceman Cooketh! http://icemancooketh.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteGreat food doesn't have to be expensive. We lived in Germany for 7 years and ate inexpensive and good food in every country we visited - even France!
Finally, a cookbook with sensible recipes in it. A nutritionist that I know said the recipes from the depression era were better for you than the new recipes. She took examples of BH&G cookbooks from the 50's, 60's 70's & 90s to show the way recipes have evolved. I finally bought some depression cookbooks and cannot wait for Clara's.
ReplyDeleteare you on face book? how can i add you on facebook?
ReplyDeleteI love this series of videos! Clara you are awesome! I think a cookbook is a great idea, I'm looking forward to it coming available for sale!
ReplyDeleteOh how WONDERFUL!!! With the economy the way it is....this new cook book is SPOT ON in timing!!!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered these videos. They remind me a lot of how my mom cooks. My parents were at the tail end of the depression but still remember it very clearly. The difference is they were out in the country and had lots of meat but very little of other things. They hauled wood into town to trade for sugar and other items they needed.
ReplyDeleteOur kids will never appreciate what they have without some hard times thrown it.
What a great idea this show is keep them coming!! I love simple, real recipes that real people can make cheaply. In the times to come ahead this information will be priceless!! We are expanding our garden this year too and also keep a flock of 5 chickens in our backyard!!! Everyone should do the same!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the wonderful videos and the possibility of a DVD and cookbook. Watching Clara reminds me so of my own grandma and the warm feeling I had watching her bake and then eating the delicious goodies she made. God Bless you, your Grandma Clara and your whole family. You have blessed us all with these videos!
ReplyDeleteThat is great news! Such a great way to capture memories, useful tips, and history. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited about an upcoming cookbook and DVD. I enjoy watching Clara and listening to her stories. Such a wonderful idea to tape her doing her cooking and talking.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have ran across her website and blog!
I am a Southern Gal from South Carolina. My Grandmother, also named Clara and who lived to be 100 years old, was a great cook just like Clara. Watching Clara's videos not only helps me learn new cooking styles, but reminds me of my own beloved grandmother. My Grandmother lived through the depression and often spoke of how her family trimmed corners, which was needed in a family of 12 children.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your knowledge and thank you to your family for documenting the wisdom for all of us. God bless you and keep you in his care. What a blessing to be able to influence so many people.
Catherine
This is a GREAT idea to put your Grandmother with her stories and recipies online like this. She is beautiful and so sweet. To combine cooking with the stories of her life is the best tribute to her also. Great job!! Keep it up!!
ReplyDeletei am 66 and watched all the videos on you tube...i kept thinking of my own polish grandmother who i loved a lot ...i think more people need to watch these videos especially the younger ones..even in the 50's.....i know how to survive tough times myself and am very frugal but i learned a few things from clara myself....it goes to show that even at 91 a person has something to share...clara is an inspiration to me at 66 ...keep going clara....this economic problem is going to get worse and people really need to know they can survive on very little if they have to......god bless you
ReplyDeleteHow do I find this wonderful lady on Facebook?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your recipes and your great sense of humor. I saw a segment about you on the news and had to check out your site. I can't wait to try some of those recipes, they look delicious! I hope that everyone that sees your show can get a feeling of comfort knowing that no matter how hard it gets, people have gone through hard times before and come out just fine! It is also wonderful and refreshing to see someone using the internet to spread a positive message. May you and your family be blessed with health, happiness and long life. Much love and God Bless from South Jersey.
ReplyDeleteFirst I would like to say thank you for posting all the video's. I sat and watched in amazement of Clara making meals out of almost anything. I would love to learn some recipes. Is the recipe book going to be forsale and the DVD? I haven't smiled for quite sometime now and watching these videos made me smile and confirmed the respect our elderly population deserve. (With age comes wisdom). I am very interested in the book and DVD. In todays economy cooking this way could save alot of money
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a wonderful woman with the world along with her recipes. She is simply Amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteMy best to you and your family and huge hugs to Clara.
I can't wait for more from Clara. What a great legacy.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across this when a Syracuse DJ was talking about Ms. Clara. I had to check out the youtube videos. Amazing and so touching. She reminds me of my grandmother so much!
ReplyDeleteThis is truly amazing. Thank you so much!
Christopher: what an awesome job you have done with the videos and website for your grandma. My office blocks Youtube, and it's the only computer I have access to, so I can't watch those videos. But I'd prefer the cookbook and watching a DVD on my own time, anyway; so I wish you Godspeed with those projects.
ReplyDeleteClara: what a treat it was to watch your segment on GMA. I think you're the bee's knees. You take some of the "depression" out of these depressing times. You go, girl!
Clara, you are providing an incredible gift to many! I'm thankful and proud of your grandson who recognizes the value of your knowledge and experience.
ReplyDeleteMy parents were both children of the depression. I remember their stories of the many ways food became available and how it had to be stretched.
I love cooking as well and have all the recipes of my mom and her mother. I'm ready to purchase your DVD and cookbook when released!
Keep going on strong! You're a natural!!!
Hi Clara - I saw you on the news last night, (Nova Scotia, Canada). I thought you were pretty darn amazing and an inspiration to all us whiners haha, Keep cooking, keep smiling and all the best to you and your family. I told everybody about you today at work - I couldn't stop thinking about you. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteHey Chris and Clara,
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your family stories and recipes.. it seems like in hard times the things that really matter shine - family and home cookin!!
I love your youtube series. I can't wait for the DVD and cookbook!
ReplyDeleteWell guess there were more than one depressions...times were tough after WWII and the '50s...when I was a kid...Mom was 100% Croatian and we too got by...we joke about it now but if we came home to a pot of what we called.."wallpaper paste"...we didn't know if it was supper...or if we were going to wallpaper....
ReplyDeleteIt was called VARALICA....translated to Poor Man's Soup
Start with a medium pot of boiling water w/salt, in a small bowl mix flour and water (leave it thick)..take a fork and swirl it into the boiling water...you may end up with lumps of flour like dumplings but that's OK...just not too big ...should swirl it in...
in a small skillet..lard and garlic..sautee...add to pot, salt pepper...doesn't get any plainer than that....I think mom added parsley when she had it. Sticks to your ribs..AND you can wallpaper with it! WIN WIN...
I think a cookbook would be amazing. thank you for sharing Mrs. Clara with all of us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Clara rocks!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful grandmother with the rest of us!!
Clara,
ReplyDeleteI just watched your video for the poorman's meal. I'm going to make this, and also your pasta with peas. Thank you for sharing your stories and recipes. Watching you cook and tell your Grandson the stories of the depression reminds me so much of all the time my Grandma and I spent in her kitchen, and talking about the old days. We just lost her a month ago. Watching you and listening to you, you remind me so much of her. I would love to give you a hug. Thank you for making me smile. I wish I could sit with you at your kitchen table and watch you cook and listen to your stories. These videos are almost the same. Thank you Chris for sharing your wonderful Grandmother with us. :) She is a treasure.
The cookbook will be a definite hit. FYI if it's spiral bound makes it easier to take to the kitchen. I can't wait to see the book.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that would be amazing if ya'll make a cook book... I have been watching the youtube series, I am just in love with the stories... I am only 21 and i just love learning about how life was back then! Clara should get a myspace or facebook! ^_^
ReplyDeletexx
Both of my parents grew up during the depression and my Mom still could make a wonderful meal out of not much of anything. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't record any of their memories. I wanted to say thanks to Clara for sharing with us and thanks to you for caring enough to make it happen!
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching for the cookbook.
Hooray!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait! Well, I can wait until you and Clara are ready.
Thanks!!
First I want to say, please excuse my English... I'm from Germany. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this great old lady and her kind to cook. :-) When will the book be ready to buy? And how can I buy it from Germany?
Greetings,
Christiane
What a charmer of a woman! Wish I had videos of my now-gone grandparents!
ReplyDeleteI'm hooked on Clara! I made peppers and eggs for breakfast with italian bread and it was delishioso! Is the cookbook ready yet? I hope it includes her *secret* recipe for pasta sauce and meatballs!! I love you Clara. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a cookbook of Clara's recipes! I'm a 26 year old who wants to cook simply and inexpensively from scratch and love watching Clara cook and chat. She's a treasure for sure.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome!! I have tried some of her recipes and they are great. I would definately buy the cookbook!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the cookbook. Go Clara! you are awesome. I think of my own gram and love her all the more for her 'simpler' ways!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing your recipes and stories with us. I remember my own grandma telling me stories about the depression while she cooked as well. She was just a teenager at the time and cooked for large families a lot. I sure do miss her and the wonderful smells coming from her kitchen soon as the garage door was opened. I'm patiently waiting for your book to come out for it will become my favorite cookbook.
ReplyDeleteI love Clara and her stories of the depression, with recipes to boot! What a wonderful woman to share with us, particularly during these economic times. These videos are invaluable as history.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
MAY GOD BLESS CLARA AND THANK YOU FOR SAHARING HER WITH US.
ReplyDeleteI LIKE MANY OTHERS ALSO REMEBER MY GRANDMO0THER WHEN I WATCH CLARA.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS.
ROSIE CHAVEZ GLENDALE AZ
how very special this is! i was going to sit down with my great-grandmother to collect her recipes and stories to create a family cookbook, but unfortunately she passed away before it happened.
ReplyDeleteclara must feel so incredibly warm knowing that her great-grandson cares this much to record her history and to share it with others.
i wish you much success and thank you both for doing something wonderful that contributes to the world of food.
I can't wait to get a cookbook - these are recipes to be treasured. I hope it's big!!
ReplyDeleteI love you Clara. I could listen to you all day. I'm getting your book for my Birthday.
ReplyDeleteThe younger people need to know how to cook for hard times. I know I can make it with little of nothing. My Mom could make a feast with a 1/4 lb of ground beef. A lb of meat was 4 meals, for a family of 10. Can't wait to get your book.
yurtdışı kargo
ReplyDeleteresimli magnet
instagram takipçi satın al
yurtdışı kargo
sms onay
dijital kartvizit
dijital kartvizit
https://nobetci-eczane.org/
65S2Eİ
رقم المجاري بالاحساء eMkKrqnpSV
ReplyDelete