Christmas On The Homefront
British Ration Recipes from 1944
Rationing in Great Britain during World War II began early in the conflict in 1940 and continued some years after the war, ending in 1954. According to the The Old Foodie blog, "Rationing was eased very slightly on some foods in the weeks leading up to Christmas – the authorities being well aware of the morale-boost that this would provide."
Holidays on the homefront represented more than just the annual customs. The foods served at this time of year took on a different meaning, acting as a constant in a time of uncertainty. In Great Britain the traditional Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake were not entirely safe from rationing, but thanks to the "Food Facts" leaflets released by the Ministry of Food, citizens were able to prepare the beloved holiday dishes.
Food Facts # 232 - Christmas Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. margarine
- 1/2 lb. sugar (brown if possible)
- 5 dried eggs
- 10 tbsp. water
- 1/2 tsp. almond essence
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla essence
- 3/4 lb. plain flour
- 1 level tsp. bicarbonate soda
- 1/2 level tsp. salt
- 2 level tsp. mixed spice
- 2 lb. mixed dried fruit
- 3-4 tbsp. ale, stout, or milk
Directions
Cream margarine and sugar, adding dried eggs and water gradually. Beat until white and creamy. Add essences. Sift flour, soda, salt and spices together and add to mixture. Add prepared fruit and lastly the liquid, to make a fairly stiff mixture. Mix thoroughly. Put in a cake tin lined with paper, and bake in a slow oven for 3 hours. Leave in tin to cool.
The icing used on this cake was sent in an additional leaflet.
Food Facts # 233 - Icing made with ordinary Sugar and Household Milk
Ingredients: 4 level dessertspoons sugar, 6 level tablespoons Household Milk, dry [i.e milk powder], 2 tablespoons water, colouring and flavouring.
Directions: Mix sugar and milk together. Add water and beat till smooth.Add colouring and flavouring and sperad on top of cake.
Food Facts #232 - Christmas Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 oz. plain flour
- ½ level teaspoon baking powder
- ½ level teaspoon salt
- ¼ level teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ level teaspoon salt
- ¼ level teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 level teaspoon mixed spice
- 4 oz suet or fat
- 3 oz. sugar
- 1 lb. mixed dried fruit
- 4 oz. breadcrumbs
- 1 level tablespoon marmalade
- 2 dried eggs, reconstituted
- ¼ pint pale ale, stout or milk. (Enough for 4-5 people)
Directions
Sift flour, baking powder, salt and spices together. Add sugar, fruit, and breadcrumbs and grated suet or melted fat. Mix with the marmalade, eggs and liquid. Mix very thoroughly. Put in a greased basin, 2 pint size. Cover with greased paper and steam for 4 hours. Remove paper and cover with a fresh piece and a clean cloth. Store in a cool place. Steam 2 or 3 hours before serving.
Christmas Cake
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Christmas Cake
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