Area families are invited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a patriotic blend of history, heritage and homemade treats during Red, White, and Batter: A Vintage Cake Celebration from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave. in Bensenville.
Open to participants of all ages and skill levels, the program will give budding bakers the opportunity to mix the batter for a classic tomato soup cake, a uniquely American recipe that gained popularity during the 1930s. Participants will receive instruction from Fischer Farm staff, along with a recipe card and a personal-sized cake tin to take home and bake their creation.
Tomato soup cake became a household favorite during the Great Depression when families sought affordable recipes that could be made with readily available ingredients. Because the recipe contains no dairy or eggs, it provided an economical alternative during times when staple ingredients were expensive or difficult to obtain. The spice cake's moist texture and subtle sweetness made it a popular dessert in kitchens across the country.
“America’s history is filled with stories of ingenuity and resilience, and tomato soup cake is a delicious example of both,” said Katrina Frank, Fischer Farm program supervisor. “As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, this program offers families a chance to connect with the past, learn about Depression-era cooking traditions and create a memorable treat together.”
Historic Fischer Farm is one of DuPage County’s oldest remaining homesteads. The site preserves nearly two centuries of local agricultural history and features nine historic buildings. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the farm’s historic atmosphere while learning about a recipe that reflects the resourcefulness of earlier generations. The farm’s American Foursquare-style farmhouse, built in 1936, serves as a reminder of the region’s rich rural heritage and helps bring history to life for visitors.
For more information about Fischer Farm, visit the Bensenville Park District website, BvilleParks.org/FischerFarm. Register in person at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville.
