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Sunday, May 20, 2012

How to Eat Well Though Rationed


Martha Reynold’s Recipes That Save Points
Nutrition Hints, Preserving

Copyright 1943, Chicago Times Inc., Chicago, IL

“How to turn the colored stamps in the War Ration Book into hearty, healthy meals is a problem for the experienced housewife as well as the new bride.”

Written at a time in our nation’s history when frugality was not only a household necessity, but also a patriotic duty, this book gives recipes and tips for serving the healthiest meals possible with minimal waste.  The housewife is given the responsibility to keep the family healthy and well fed in order to support the war effort.  Men need proper nutrition in order to serve in the armed forces and the rest of us need strength to keep the home front flourishing.

One tip for stretching the meat ration involves saving bits of meat remaining from several dinners in the refrigerator.  Then, to make sandwiches for the children’s lunches, grind the meat pieces with some pickles and salad dressing.  I can only imagine how this would go over at my house!

Dessert recipes are included that use sweeteners other than sugar, such as syrup or honey.  

Sexist sentiments in this book aside, I’m reminded of the great spirit of the American people to come together in times of great need.

During World War II, we saw this quality when households were faced with rations on not only food but on gasoline, tires, nylons and more.  The greatest sacrifice, of course, was of the young men heading to war.  

In present times, I see this quality during times of natural disasters.   When a community is devastated by a tornado, neighbors rush in to help.  Stories of bravery and sacrifice abound as strangers come to the rescue.  

So much has changed since the 1940’s, but some things remain the same.  Great adversity still brings us together.  


Following is a recipe from this cookbook that my family has enjoyed:


Golden Cheese and Rice

½ cup raw, white rice, washed
3 cups scraped, shredded, raw carrots
2 cups grated, processed American cheese (I used cheddar)
2 eggs, beaten
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons minced onion
½ cup milk

Cook rice, as in boiled rice, adding carrots the last 5 minutes of cooking.  Drain.  Combine with remaining ingredients, reserving ½ cup cheese.  Place in a greased, or oiled, 1 ½ quart casserole, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.  Bake in a moderate oven of 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.  Serves 6.

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