Happy Birthday, Victory Kitchen Podcast!

5 years ago today, one month before the pandemic, a new history podcast was born. What an incredible time it's been!

It’s hard to believe I’ve been podcasting for FIVE whole years! I’ve learned so much about wartime rationing in that time and have loved the community of people I’ve made friends with through these years.

Thank you for all of your support in the past, right now, and in the future.

To celebrate, I wanted to do something special. Sadly, my homework was due today so I wasn’t able to bake something like I was hoping. Instead, I’m sharing with you my top 5 favorite recipes I’ve made for my podcast.

1. Prune Spice Cake

Prune Cake from Watkins Cook Book, 1945

People get skeptical when prunes get brought up in a conversation. (Like aren’t those for old people?) I’m here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth! This cake is tender, spicy with a slight punch from the complex flavor of the prunes. It’s definitely one of my all-time favorite cakes. I really don’t see how prunes could get any better than this.

The recipe suggests you push the cooked prunes through a sieve, but to make things easier, I just chop them up really finely. A cream cheese frosting is tasty for this cake.

Watkins Cook Book, 1945

2. Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

These cookies win the award as “best go-to recipe” for making roll-out sugar cookies in a pinch. They’re fat and delicious, with the perfect amount of versatility. These are just the best vintage sugar cookies you could ever want to shove into your mouth.

To try different varieties, swap out the orange for lemon juice and zest. Or replace the juice with a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for some cozy snickerdoodle spice. A good buttercream or cream cheese frosting goes really well with these. Or just eat them plain. They’re that good.

3. Carrot Rolls

Oh my… Our family is in love with these rolls. My children request them for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They make incredible leftovers for little sandwiches, for breakfast, or with soup. They’re beautifully soft with little hints of carroty goodness. I adore this recipe so much!

The trick to making these soft, pillowy rolls is to not knead them very much at all. Building up the gluten makes them tougher.

4. Fresh Strawberry Punch

I love trying different vintage recipes for surprising concoctions to drink. This summery Strawberry Punch was a revelation! It’s a perfect way to use fresh-picked strawberries in the spring. And just look at that color! It really is that red. Another thing I love about this recipe is that you can adapt the syrup recipe for any fresh berry or stone fruit. Imagine all the amazing drinks to be made!

The Good Housekeeping Cook Book, 1944

5. Beef Curry with Rice & Bananas

Last but definitely not least, is a recipe I’ve only made once, but it’s stayed with me ever since. The beef curry was delicious and filling, and the addition of bananas was surprising and tasty! Suspicious? So were our kids. They didn’t love the bananas, but my husband and I did. I included this as a favorite, because vintage banana recipes are woefully misunderstood, and I love sharing my love for these odd recipes. I’d definitely love to make this one again. I’ve never forgotten it, and it was one of those delightful times when a vintage recipe surprised me in a happy way.

Better Meals in Wartime by Lola Wyman, 1943

Did any of these recipes pique your interest? I can assure you I have far more than 5 favorite wartime recipes! It was so hard to choose from so many treasured finds. I love how exploring this time period has challenged my perception of wartime eating. I’ve discovered so many beautiful foods along the way, and I hope to continue to do the same for you!