Pumpkin Fruit Roll Recipe by Mrs A. Beattie - presented by Mrs. Velma Purington, cafeteria manager at The Mechanics Institute (now Rochester Institute of Technology - RIT)

*Pumpkin Fruit Roll: A Vintage Delight with a Story to Tell 🎃🍂
Today, we’re stepping back in time to explore a recipe that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor - Pumpkin Fruit Roll.
This delightful creation comes to us from Miss Velma Purinton, the cafeteria manager at Mechanics Institute, who proudly declared it the winner of a pumpkin dishes contest in 1941. With its tender dough, spiced pumpkin filling, and sweet, nutty crunch, this recipe is a true testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of mid-20th-century home cooks.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves (pun intended!) and dive into this vintage gem. 🕰️✨
Pumpkin Fruit Roll
*For the Dough:*
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup milk
*For the Filling:*
- 1 cup cooked pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup raisins, chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons flour
*For Topping:*
- Sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling
- Whipped cream for serving
How to Make It:
1. Start by sifting the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl.
2. Rub in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add the milk and mix until a light dough forms.
3. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick.
4. For the filling, combine the pumpkin, molasses, sugar, salt, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour in a saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and let it cool to lukewarm.
5. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up like a jelly roll, pinching the ends together to seal.
6. Place the roll in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
7. Serve slices cut-side up with a dollop of whipped cream.
The Story Behind the Recipe 🕰️🎃
This recipe comes from the Democrat and Chronicle Sunday Magazine, dated October 26, 1941. It was part of a pumpkin dishes contest held at Mechanics Institute, where Miss Velma Purinton served as the cafeteria manager.
The contest was no small affair - the cafeteria staff tested a variety of outstanding recipes before finally selecting three top winners.
Mrs. A. Beattie took first honors and a $15 prize with this Pumpkin Fruit Roll, a dish that stood out for its unique combination of flavors and textures. 🏆✨
The year 1941 was a significant time in American history. The country was on the brink of entering World War II, and home cooks were becoming increasingly resourceful, making the most of what they had.
Pumpkin, a readily available and versatile ingredient, was a popular choice for sweet and savory dishes alike. This contest was a celebration of that ingenuity, showcasing the creativity of home cooks during a challenging era. 🍂🥧
The Democrat and Chronicle Sunday Magazine "✨
The Democrat and Chronicle is a historic newspaper based in Rochester, New York, with roots dating back to 1833.
By the early 20th century, it had become a cornerstone of local news and culture, and its Sunday Magazine was a beloved feature. This weekly publication was more than just a newspaper insert"it was a cultural touchstone, offering readers a mix of human interest stories, recipes, fashion tips, and household advice. It was a reflection of the times, capturing the spirit of American life during an era of great change. 🌟
The October 26, 1941, edition of the Sunday Magazine, which featured the pumpkin dishes contest, would have been a special fall issue, celebrating the harvest season and the comforts of home cooking.
Recipes like Mrs. Beattie’s Pumpkin Fruit Roll were not just about food - they were about community, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. The magazine’s pages were filled with the kind of warmth and nostalgia that made it a cherished part of Sunday mornings for countless families. 🍂"-
The Mechanics Institute and Its Culinary Legacy 🏫🍴
Mechanics Institute, now known as Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), has a long history of innovation and education.
In 1941, the institute was already a hub for technical and vocational training, and its cafeteria was no exception. Miss Velma Purinton, as the cafeteria manager, would have been at the forefront of feeding students and staff, ensuring they had nutritious and satisfying meals.
The pumpkin dishes contest was likely a way to engage the community and celebrate the fall harvest, while also showcasing the talents of local cooks. 🎃✨
Why These Ingredients Work Together 🎃🥜
1. **Pumpkin**: The star of the show! Pumpkin brings a rich, earthy flavor and a velvety texture to the filling. It’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice.
2. **Molasses**: This adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and nuts.
3. **Sugar**: Both in the filling and as a topping, sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spices and the slight bitterness of the molasses.
4. **Nuts and Raisins**: These add a delightful crunch and chewiness, creating a contrast of textures that makes every bite interesting.
5. **Cinnamon and Nutmeg**: These warm spices are the heart of any good pumpkin dish, bringing a touch of nostalgia and comfort.
6. **Vanilla**: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle floral note.
7. **Flour**: This helps thicken the filling, ensuring it holds together when rolled up in the dough.
The Magic of the Pumpkin Fruit Roll 🎃🍂
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. It’s part dessert, part breakfast, and entirely delicious. The tender, lightly sweetened dough pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin filling, while the nuts and raisins add a satisfying crunch and chew. The final touch of sugar and cinnamon on top creates a caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the whipped cream"because everything is better with whipped cream! 🥛✨
Who Was Mrs. A. Beattie? 🕵️‍♀️🎃
While I couldn’t find much about Mrs. A. Beattie, her recipe speaks volumes about her creativity and skill in the kitchen.
Winning first place in a contest with such a unique dish is no small feat, and it’s clear that she had a knack for combining flavors and textures in unexpected ways. Her Pumpkin Fruit Roll is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable dishes come from taking risks and thinking outside the box. 🏡✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🎃❤️
This Pumpkin Fruit Roll is more than just a recipe"it’s a piece of history. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of home cooks during a time when making the most of what you had was essential.
It’s also a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall, with its warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and crunchy nuts.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter"just wait for your guests to ask, “What’s in this??
Buon appetito! 🎃🥧✨
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