Much of the history of the Traverse City region is filled with stories of lumberjacks. The Swedish and Norwegians accounted for most of this industry back in the 1880's. Some of their favorite treats were thin, odorous sourdough pancakes. The worse they smelled, the better they liked them. Others liked "raised cakes"; some wanted cornmeal in the batter; and others liked buck-wheat, especially in the winter because, they explained, buck-wheat was "heatin". But their favorite treat of all was Vinegar Pie, which was a lumber camp standby. I am not sure if there is a housewife today who could make one but I will share with you the recipe should you want to venture and try it.
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/3 cup vinegar
1/3 cup cornstarch
dash of nutmeg
Stir the ingredients together and cook until clear and thick. Stir half the mixture into three broken egg yolks; combine mixture again; place entire filling back on wood range for one minute, add a tablespoon of butter and pour into a baked shell. If you wish to be fancy, just in case the girls are going to drop in, make the usual meringue (But lumberjacks were happy to have the pie without the fringe on top).
Christine Stalsonburg, Broker/Owner
Cherry Wings Realty
231-409-4140
