Flavors of the Heartland – October

October 14 – Jeanna West, making Nickel Salad | Depression-Era Cooking | Included with admission

Food is a universal connector. It connects us to each other, reminds us of our past, and introduces us to new cultures. The dishes we eat are flavored by the communities and cultures that call Indiana home. Take a break to enjoy the stories and smells of the dishes that make up our food heritage. Each month features a presenter sharing their food culture in this engaging and interactive conversation. Copies of recipes will be provided for guests to create at home! Presentations begin promptly at 1 p.m. and are not repeated during the scheduled time. 

Jeanna West and her family owned Gillin’s Tavern. In 1980, Jeanna and her mother opened Gillin’s Family Line Cafeteria. Although the Cafe was later sold, Jeanna did not leave cooking behind; she has been doing direct sales with Pampered Chef for 30 years. She loves cooking and sharing, teaching others about food, and the benefits of being in the kitchen.  

Nickel Salad is a family recipe that dates back to the Great Depression, when Jeanna’s grandmother would send the kids to the store to get a nickel’s worth of ingredients. Every family member makes the salad with their own personal touches, and Jeanna’s recipe was a staple at the family cafe during the 1980s and 1990s.