THE BRITISH FOOD RESTRICTIONS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 48, 22 June 1917, Page 8

THE BRITISH FOOD RESTRICTIONS.

It is amusing at these semi-public entertainments to watch the efforts of the committees to keep well within the rules of the rood Controller (writes a London lady to an Australian exchange). Not a few women feel that afternoon tea itself may well be unpatriotic in these days, while fancy cakes are probably a crime. Knowing this sentiment prevails, the committees are very careful. Instead of sugar, the cakes are decorated with devices in whipped cream, chocolates are of the cheaper variety. There are 8s a lb sweets in the third year of a worldwar. Fancy biscuits and cakes of oatmeal are served and labelled as “floursaving,so that the tenderest conscience may be assured. Indeed, the whole question of substitutes for the common foods is omnipresent in the world of women to-day. As the submarine war grows in intensity, it becomes more and more doubtful how long the present rations can continue. Already well-to-do people are urged to do with as little bread as possible, leaving it for the poorer classes. Potatoes are practically forbidden to any patriot, even if he or she can purchase the vegetable, which is doubtful. As for meat, an extensive propaganda is in progress to popularise such substitutes as fish, cheese, beans, lentils, and nuts Housewives are learning new facts about food every hour. Thus loz of lentils is equal to IJoz of meat and 3Joz of pototoes. They are best served with some strongly- flavoured things, such as curry, caper, lemon, or tomato sauce. Suet pudding is a good substitute for potatoes, but, owing to the large amount of fat it contains, should not be served after a cheese dish. A fruit salad could properly follow a Welsh rabbit. One ounce of cheese equals IJoz of meat, plus one third of an ounce of butter, so it is the food par excellence in the present crisis. In the north of England cheese is a well-recognised substitute for meat; in the south it is rather a relish. We Londoners may learn to appreciate cheese before the war ends.