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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,512
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

So far, the most polarizing topic here seems to be Green Bean Casserole: people either love it or hate it....with all of the talk about it, I was kind of curious as to how it wound its way onto the Thanksgiving table. I was expecting to find out that it was a patriotic relic from WW II.....but far from that....it was developed by a home economist who worked for Campbell's Soup, by the name of Dorcus Reilly. She was simply out to develop a recipe using ingredients that most people had on hand. In 2002, she was inducted into an inventor hall of fame, but she had no memory of being involved directly with th development of the recipe.... she does, however, like to jazz it up by substituting carrots.....who knew?? Poodlepet
Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,621
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

I don't blame Dorcas for disavowing any knowledge of being involved with the development of that recipe....lol I would have done the same thing....lol

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,347
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

That's the dish I'm asked to bring for Thanksgiving to my sister's! Any good recipe for it?

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,512
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

Gloria, you won't like it-I know you don't cook that way. It's green beans, canned cream soup ( which I am sure you have never bought or had in your house)...I think it has sour cream- I could be wrong, and Durkee French fried onions- from a can. If you family knows how health minded and whole foods oriented you are, why on earth would they expect you to make this dish? Hugs, Poodlepet
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,539
Registered: ‎11-23-2013

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

On 11/18/2014 chrystaltree said:

I don't blame Dorcas for disavowing any knowledge of being involved with the development of that recipe....lol I would have done the same thing....lol

LOLOL!!!!!!!!

Over the years, I heard/read that a housewife from Podunk made the recipe and Campbell's stole it and took the credit.

Get your flu shot...because I didn't.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,539
Registered: ‎11-23-2013

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

Gloriajean, you can find recipes using raw ingredients and not canned.

Get your flu shot...because I didn't.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,947
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

Good grief. It is a recipe that lots of people love. And it's a recipe a lot of people love to look down on others about. Really? Potato chips? SMOOTHIES with high fat content? Lots of bad food choices out there, but some people feel smug about "hating" it. . .It is the fashionable thing to do now.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,071
Registered: ‎09-23-2010

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

I knew that tid bit of trivia from the food channel. I don't care who turns their nose up,we love it I actually bought the big restraunt size can of green beans. Of coarse anyone can make a rue and white sauce,with mushrooms,fresh green beans,& make homemade o- rings.That is not what many families want,everyone just make what they want enjoy it. Sheesh
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,448
Registered: ‎05-14-2011

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

On 11/18/2014 gloriajean said:

That's the dish I'm asked to bring for Thanksgiving to my sister's! Any good recipe for it?


As I posted on the other Thanksgiving thread, Alton Brown has a made from scratch green bean casserole recipe that is very good. I don't use the overly salty soups or canned onions either. I'll grab a link and re-post it.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,448
Registered: ‎05-14-2011

Re: Do you know who Dorcus Reilly is???

On 11/18/2014 Sooner said:

Good grief. It is a recipe that lots of people love. And it's a recipe a lot of people love to look down on others about. Really? Potato chips? SMOOTHIES with high fat content? Lots of bad food choices out there, but some people feel smug about "hating" it. . .It is the fashionable thing to do now.


Yea, kinda like the 'Ugly Christmas Sweater" Party. How cruel! To make such fun out of what are just spirited holiday garb. If you check ebay now, and search on 'ugly Christmas sweater' you'd be surprised what comes up. Sellers actually list their sweaters that way. How sad.