As bunting is strewn across high streets all over the country and street parties prove a popular past time, the VE Day celebrations have certainly started ahead of the 8th May. The 8th May 1945 – VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) marked the end of nearly six years of war in Europe, a war that had cost the lives of millions, had instrumented the destruction of families, homes, towns and cities across Britain. The news that Germany had surrendered, signalled that the intense hardships of war were to stop and in villages, towns and cities across the world many people rejoiced and marked the victory with street parties and celebration. Though this was not an end of conflict and nor was it an end to the impact of war. The war against Japan battled on and did not end until August 1945 and rationing did not finally end until 1954.
When Churchill announced the German surrender, it was a time of great relief for the masses and also a time of reflection. Rationing had not ended and there was no time to save up rations in order to put on a celebratory spread fit for victory, so friends, family and neighbours pooled their rations and kept up the wartime ethos of making the most of what they had.
I had the pleasure of filming for VE Day episode of the BBC One Show and I demonstrated a popular wartime treat, carrot fudge, so here is something for you to try your hand at this week. Grate some carrots, and put about four tablespoonful of this in just enough water to cover. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Then add orange essence Add the prepared leaf of gelatine and add to the mixture. Cook quickly for a few minutes, stirring the mixture. Then turn out into a dish to set, and cut in slices or cubes.
A recipe that is far more appealing to the modern palate is wartime chocolate fudge, this recipe dates to 1942 and is featured in a household recipe book I have owned for many years:
Chocolate Fudge
In a strong pan melt 1 oz. margarine. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1LB brown sugar. 2oz. unsweetened chocolate – Boil for five minutes. Remove and add 1 teaspoonful vanilla essence. Beat for five minutes. Pour into a greased tin. Mark: into neat squares when cold
This recipe would have been a really special treat, due to the quantity of sugar used, and it yields a very sweet and rather delicious fudge that was very popular with the filming crew and my children alike.
As you prepare for your street parties and adorn your tables with delicious party food, do spare a thought for how difficult it would have been to cater for such a celebration during rationing.
