Summary

Alternative Name(s): Cookery Book, Cook Book

96-page recipe booklet designed for using alternatives/substitutes during World War II when many things, especially meat, butter etc. were rationed and hard to get. Printed and published by Edgar H. Baillie, 185 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield, for the Herald & Weekly Times Ltd, circa 1945.

The recipe booklet was used in Healesville, Victoria.

Shortages of foodstuffs, clothing and other products were part of life on the homefront during World War II. The first controls over the production and distribution of products were introduced in 1940, partly due to disruption of shipping. In 1942, after Japan entered the War, comprehensive rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. The first product to be rationed was clothing, gazetted in June 1942. Tea rationing was introduced a month later on 6 July 1942, with an initial allowance of one pound (about 500 grams) per five weeks per adult. Butter rationing was introduced on 7 June 1943, allowing one pound per fortnight. Sugar and meat were also rationed. After the War, rationing was gradually phased out. The last rationed products were butter, ending June 1950, and tea, ending July 1950.

'Sarah Dunne' was the pseudonymn for Edith Margaret Allen, daughter of Henry Brookes Allen and Ada Rosalie Elizabeth Mason, who also worked as a journalist with the Argus and Australasian but is best known for this collection of recipes for the Herald. Her sister was the artist Mary Cecil Allen.

Physical Description

96-page recipes booklet designed for using alternatives/substitutes during World War II when many things, especially meat, butter etc. were rationed and hard to get. Cover of booklet is blue/green with a white pattern, red writing and band at bottom of page. Leaflet: Printed A4 size leaflet on J. McAlpin & Sons letterhead.

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