For women's month I thought it would be fun to take a look at how cooking was done in pioneer days. Now we can cook in an instant and anything we want but back when Oklahoma was being settled and being a state not so much. Oklahoma's cooking is colorful and complex, it's rich flavors reflect the many heritages of the people who settled here. From the eastern immigrants who came to farm or work the coal mines, the cowboys and ranchers who ventured in from other southern states, the educated Yankees who came to teach,to bank,to the former slaves who came seeking an easier freedom and the American Indians who have been here all along. These women didn't have fancy stoves or grocery stores. The early pioneer women cooked more often over open fires with whatever they could find. Here is an example of a recipe they used.
Indian Jack
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 cup chopped onions
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt pepper
pepper
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup cold water
At least 3 hours before serving, combine green peppers, onions, tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper to taste, vinegar and cold water in a bowl. Cover and chill. With slotted spoon, spoon mixture over cooked vegetables such as fried okra or steamed green beans. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.