Wartime Recipes - Remembrance Day: Making Good with What You've Got
As Remembrance Day approaches, we're reminded of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who gave their lives for our freedom. It's a time to reflect on the importance of making the most out of what we have. In the spirit of honoring those who endured challenging times, let's explore the art of creating healthy meals with the bare basics, just as many families did during wartime. These recipes are not only nutritious but also a way to pay tribute to the resilience and resourcefulness of those who came before us.
1. Victory Garden Vegetable Soup with Homemade Vegetable Stock
During wartime, resourcefulness was key, and that extended to making use of every available ingredient, including vegetable scraps, to create flavorful stocks for soups and stews. This vegetable soup is a symbol of resilience and sustainability.
Homemade Vegetable Stock:
Ingredients for the Vegetable Stock:
- Vegetable scraps (carrot peels, potato peels, onion ends, etc.)
- 4 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Homemade Vegetable Stock:
1. Collect vegetable scraps from your kitchen, such as carrot peels, potato peels, and onion ends. These are excellent for making a flavorful stock.
2. In a pot, add the vegetable scraps and cover them with 4 cups of water.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the mixture for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the liquid.
5. Strain the stock to remove the vegetable scraps, leaving you with a homemade vegetable stock that's both cost-effective and sustainable.
Vegetable Soup:
Ingredients for the Vegetable Soup:
- 2 cups of chopped seasonal vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, and greens)
- Homemade vegetable stock (as prepared above)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for the Vegetable Soup:
1. In a pot, simmer the chopped vegetables in the homemade vegetable stock until they become tender and infused with flavor.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve hot and remember the resourcefulness of those who made do with what they had during wartime, turning scraps into nourishing meals.
2. Wartime Ration Bread
During times of war, rationing extended to basic staples like flour. This wartime ration bread recipe makes the most of limited ingredients while providing sustenance and comfort.
Ingredients for Wartime Ration Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or other available fat)
Instructions for Wartime Ration Bread:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking pan with available fats, such as vegetable oil or butter.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. These simple ingredients formed the foundation of wartime bread.
3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1 cup of water. Stir in the vegetable oil. This sweetened, moistened mixture serves as a replacement for eggs and milk, which were often in short supply during wartime.
4. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir well until a sticky dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and shape it into a loaf. You can use a knife to make a shallow "V" for victory on the top if you like.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
3. Mock Apple Pie
When apples were scarce, people turned to creative alternatives. This "mock" apple pie uses crackers for a surprising and tasty twist.
Ingredients for Mock Apple Pie:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed soda crackers
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- Pastry for a single-crust pie
Instructions for Mock Apple Pie:
1. Mix crushed crackers with sugar, cream of tartar, and lemon zest.
2. Place in a pie crust.
3. Bake until golden brown.
4. Savor this unique wartime treat.
4. Corned Beef Hash
Corned beef was a reliable, long-lasting protein source during wartime. This recipe adds a modern twist with fresh veggies.
Ingredients for Corned Beef Hash:
- 2 cups diced corned beef
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Corned Beef Hash:
1. Sauté the onions and peppers until softened.
2. Add diced potatoes and corned beef. Cook until browned.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve with a side of gratitude for the simple pleasures.
5. Ration Chocolate Cake
Chocolate was precious, but this cake recipe managed to make the most of it with simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Ration Chocolate Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions for Ration Chocolate Cake:
1. Combine dry ingredients.
2. Mix in water, oil/butter, vinegar, and vanilla.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
4. Savor this chocolate cake as a sweet tribute to resiliency.
6. Potato Pancakes
Potatoes were a staple during wartime, and this recipe transforms them into a comforting and hearty dish.
Ingredients for Potato Pancakes:
- 2 cups grated potatoes
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil or an available fat of your choosing for frying
Instructions for Potato Pancakes:
1. Combine grated potatoes and onion in a bowl.
2. Squeeze out excess moisture and mix in flour and egg.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil.
5. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve these crispy, golden potato pancakes with a side of nostalgia.
As you prepare and enjoy these recipes, remember the history and the resilience of those who made the most of what they had during challenging times. These dishes not only nourish the body but also serve as a connection to the past, a tribute to those who sacrificed, and a celebration of resourcefulness. This Remembrance Day, let's honor and remember those who gave their all for our freedom while savoring these simple, yet meaningful meals.