On Remembrance Day, we don’t often think of food. It is, after all, a solemn occasion. And, we don’t often associate food with times of war, but if you speak with people who lived during World War II they will tell you what it was like to ration food, clothing, and other staples.

In 1942, the Government of Canada began rationing food so there would be enough for civilians and those in the military. Meat, butter, sugar, coffee, and tea were some of the main items on the list. A recipe that continues to be popular decades after the war had ended is a dessert that goes by a few different names such as Wartime Cake, WWII Cake, and Chocolate Ration Cake. Whatever you choose to call it, the recipe does not include milk or eggs yet still retains a rich taste. I call this: WWII Ration Chocolate Cake.

Pre-heat over to 350 degrees F.

Place the following dry ingredients into a mixing bowl:
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons coca powder (there are no substitutes for this item)

Next, add the following wet ingredients:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white vinegar
5 tablespoons vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
1 cup lukewarm water

Mix ingredients together and pour into an 8” square baking pan and bake for 30 minutes or until done.

Recipe Source: Veterans.gc.ca

Yovella is a former resident of McCauley who still works and volunteers in the area.