Food For Fitness, 1942-Style

When contemporary life seems a trifle strange it helps to look to the past and see that life has always been strange. Today's example comes from the Pet Milk Company, in the form of their 1942 booklet, Food for "Fitness" (the quotes are theirs) for 2 or 4 or 6. This World War II cookbook and nutrition guide is densely stocked with recipes and advice that bear little resemblance to any fitness advice one might receive now, but is fascinating nonetheless. Some examples:

Everything is better when it's molded.

You have to love a fitness regimen that features sundaes!

This booklet was published before canned milk became a rationed food, which accounts for the lack of points mentioned for each recipe - a typical feature of wartime cookbooks. And so many mid-century recipes call for molding. I'd love to know how many homemakers actually molded their meals. 

Let's meet the woman responsible for these recipes - a media star in her day - Mary Lee Taylor, host of the twice-weekly radio broadcast from the Pet Milk Experimental Kitchen:

I have so many questions for Gordon Ellis, "Official Taster" of these recipes!

You have to hand it to Ms. Taylor: she was committed to creating recipes that provided low-cost nutrition and that were accessible to everyone. They may seem bizarre now, but she was fighting the good fight. If you're curious about any of these recipes, pick up a can of Pet Milk today and give them a spin! I'd love to hear how they turn out!

FOOD Exhibition at the Smithsonian

We just returned from a weekend in Washington, DC, where we attended the Smithsonian's Food History Weekend and saw, among other fabulous exhibits, the FOOD: Transforming The American Table 1950 - 2000 exhibition. If you have any interest in mid-century American culture, particularly food and drink, do try to get to the National Museum of American History for this fabulous experience! Besides being greeted by Julia Child's intact kitchen, which you can view from many angles, there is everything from a Trader Vic's cookbook and tiki mugs to the first frozen margarita machine to Cheez Whiz! Here are a few of my favorite photos. Admission to the museum is free. While you're there, don't forget to check out Dorothy's ruby slippers, Archie Bunker's chair and the "The Star Spangled Banner" - the flag that inspired the national anthem!

7-Eleven ad: Leave The Youngsters In The Car? I don't think you could do that today and not get arrested!

What will they think of next?

Fast Cheese

Cooking with Fritos

World's First Frozen Margarita Machine, from Mariano's Mexican Cuisine in Dallas, 1971

I think this speaks for itself!

Tiki at the Smithsonian!