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- Steam for one hour while regularly checking water levels.
This method mirrors how many were fed in the Civil War hospitals, transforming the humble bread into something surprisingly delectable.
The Hospital Steward's Manual: Behind the Scenes
Dr. Woodward's Hospital Steward's Manual served a broader purpose than just food preparation; it aimed to teach its custodians fundamental medical knowledge alongside culinary skills. He addressed shortcomings in the medical training of stewards by developing a text that was both practical and comprehensive. This book became a key resource for managing hospital kitchens, adapting cooking methods for field hospitals, and innovating meals for different patient diets.
Responsibilities and Perks
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A Taste of History: The Surprising Meal of Civil War Soldiers
When recalling the dietary staples of soldiers during the American Civil War, hardtack, salted pork, and acorn coffee often come to mind as the go-to foods. But what if we introduced a surprising twist to this narrative? Bread pudding—a dish typically associated with comfort and nostalgia—emerged as a potential convalescent treat for soldiers recovering in hospitals. The catch? You had to endure an injury first. Today, we delve into the intriguing recipe found in Dr. Joseph J. Woodward’s Hospital Steward's Manual from 1862, reportedly winding up in hospital menus.
Bread Pudding: A Convalescent Delight
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In a partnership with the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the episode explores the historical context behind this unusual dish. Bread pudding may seem out of place on the list of soldier's meals, yet it symbolized a comforting option for soldiers battling afflictions like wounds or dysentery. Through a modern lens, this recipe serves not only as a culinary curiosity but a peek into the intriguing world of Civil War hospital food.
The Recipe: A Step Back in Time
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The recipe originates from Dr. Woodward's manual, which provided practical cooking instructions for hospital stewards, who often had limited culinary skills. The ingredients are straightforward, requiring the likes of bread crumbs, currants (or raisins), sugar, and milk—intended to be prepared in a steam bath for that period-authentic touch. Tools, such as a pudding basin for steaming and some measure of ingenuity to prevent disasters in the kitchen, complete the process of making this Victorian dessert.
Cooking Method
To prepare the pudding, follow these steps:
Heat milk with cinnamon and lemon peel until just boiling, then pour it over the bread crumbs.
After mixing in eggs, sugar, and currants, pour the mixture into a buttered pudding basin.
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Woodward's manual underscored the significance of the stewards' roles—they were responsible for food service, record-keeping of supplies, and even sometimes assisting in surgeries. Interestingly, these stewards enjoyed a level of job security, as their posts were among the most desired due to benefits like good pay and safety from combat.
Insights Gleaned from History
Through Dr. Woodward’s text, we see glimpses of historical figures like Florence Nightingale influencing American medical practices, with insights into efficient camp cooking techniques adopted during wartime. Such cross-pollination of ideas highlights how medical practices were evolving, even amidst the chaos of war.
Daily Life and Diet
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Each meal served triaged based on patients' health status, with options varying from full diets to low diets that could surprisingly include items like bread pudding if patients required extra sustenance. The peculiar recipes—like "toast and water"—illustrate the resourcefulness (and sometimes absurdity) in kitchen practices during that era.
Conclusion: A Tasting Experience
After an hour of careful steaming, the bread pudding emerged—a custardy and surprisingly delightful dish, offering hints of cinnamon and the tartness of currants. Tasting this historical treat connects us deeply to an experience of both hardship and creativity during the Civil War.
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As we reflect on our exploration of this unique recipe and its context, gratitude is due to contributors like Kyle Dalton and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, who contextualized the medical and culinary landscape of the time. If you wish to support their invaluable work, consider visiting their website linked below.
— Until next time, here’s to history served deliciously!