Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Book Review: Food Will Win the War: Minnesota crops, cooks, and conservation during World War I by Rae Katherine Eighmey


Read about the support on the home front and try out some of the unique recipes consumed with the food shortages during World War I.

Meat, wheat, sugar, and other grains were sent overseas while at home families were urged to grow and eat vegetables. Daylight Savings Time was introduced in 1918 to increase the efficiency of backyard war gardens or "liberty" gardens producing food to support the troops.
Americans were asked to voluntarily make breads with some non- wheat flour. Farms in Europe and a poor wheat crop in America led to shortages of harvested wheat. One recipe: “Uncle Sam’s War Receipt for Biscuits” included cornmeal, ground soy beans, rice flour or finely ground peanuts to fill out the flour portion of the recipe.
Through volunteer efforts many Americans conserved food at home in order to feed American soldiers and European allies during the war. Read about Minnesota’s efforts in “Food Will Win the War.”

No comments: