The Joy of Field Rations

[17thairborne]

A friend of mine sent me this link:

http://joyoffieldrations.blogspot.co.../label/Germany

Its an interesting site about military rations and field cooking. I thought I would try my hand at some of the soldier's bread. I have never baked anything before, so i thought I'd try my hand at making some French WW1 bread, and then work my way through some of the recipies. Here is the start of the French Bread of the Poilu. It's going in the oven now! This is quite a change from flying A-10s, but it is giving me some insight into things of the past.

[JanC]

Oz, Let us know how it tastes Looks good for now

[17thairborne]

On the cooling rack after 60 mins in the over. Not as brown on the crust though.

[17thairborne]

Very easy and not bad. On his recipe, he does not have salt. Don't forget to put in a teaspoon or so (according to my wife)

[17thairborne]

Wife says to up the salt a bit! I'll try 1.5 next time. (She usually does all the baking)

[JanC]

Nice! You did your best. Next time better man. I will also try it once

[17thairborne]

Nice! You did your best. Next time better man. I will also try it once

It is now the family favorite bread!

Vive le Pain!

[kammo man]

Thats cool dude.


owen

[17thairborne]

Thanks Owen. Its a great site to try something different other than collecting, which I enjoy!

[Beersheba4thLH]

I think you will find this book of interest:

http://www.amazon.com/Bully-Beef-Bis.../dp/1473827450

Bully Beef and Biscuits - Food in the Great War

[17thairborne]

A relatively new book. Looks like a good read, being based on letters from soldiers. Thanks for the lead!

[kammo man]

I just baked some Irish Soda bread this morning myself.

Its more like 15th century prison bread though.

Hard as a rock but tasted great with Kerrygold butter.

[17thairborne]

I have gotten absolutely sick of American bread. Very bland, no texture and can't put anything on it other than sliced cheese and melted butter or it tears apart. My father being stationed in Europe when I was growing up gave me a fondness for the hard crust European farmer's breads.

I'll have to try some Irish stuff too!

[Beersheba4thLH]

Flavor? Texture? Crust?

French Mountain Bread

[17thairborne]

That looks good!