JUMP TO RECIPE

Even in war, people need entertainment. Aside from movies, books were a popular way to relax and escape the drudgery of anxious days. Here are two 1940s novels to consider if you want a vintage read.

Mrs. Miniver

The 1940 Mrs. Miniver tells the story of a middle-class family finding its new normal as war comes to the British Isles. It was written by Jan Struther and, in 1942, made into a movie starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. The film was in pre-production before the attack on Pearl Harbor and released a few months afterward. It became the highest grossing film of the year and did much to motivate Americans—and all the Allies. Both President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill viewed the film as highly valuable toward the war effort.

The book is, of course, a bit different from the movie. The movie is one of my favorites, full of everyday life and drama. It is more explosive than the book, having still been in filming after Pearl Harbor. The book is more like stepping into another era without the foggiest notion of cyberspace. Even then, Mrs. Miniver sought out relaxation and entertainment.

The very first chapter describes a quiet teatime moment. Having just arrived back at home, the lady of the house found “tea was already laid: there were honey sandwiches, brandy-snaps, and small ratafia biscuits; and there would, she knew, be crumpets. Three new library books lay virginally on the fender-stool, their bright paper wrappers unsullied by subscriber’s hand…And Mrs. Miniver, with a little sigh of contentment, rang for tea.” Such moments became more and more scarce—and precious—as the deadly conflict continued.

Chicken Every Sunday

Chicken Every Sunday is Rosemary Taylor’s funny, autobiographical look at her family’s life in 1900s Arizona. The subtitle is “My Life with Mother’s Boarders” and wow, her mother today could be running a corporation!

The novel, published in 1943, was also made into a movie in 1949. The movie is good if you like old black-and-whites (I do) but the book is simply delightful. Rosemary Taylor is a master at blending charming, innocent stories with titles like “A Little Sin At Midnight.” My 1943 copy has a US War Bonds ad on back jacket flap.

One of the most important things Mother did was prepare meals for the boarders. She must have been an incredible cook. Taylor writes, “Gloatingly we watched her angel parfait coming in, waited breathlessly for the boarders to take the first bite, waited for the appreciative smack of the lips.”

Novel-Inspired Recipes for Tea or Coffee

Just for fun, I decided to try two recipes from these books—ratafia biscuits and angel parfaits—for my own relaxing teatime. Ratafia biscuits are quite similar to macaroons and even quicker to make. They can be mixed and ready for the oven in about five minutes. Angel parfaits are also easy to make and extremely adaptable. These are two wonderful recipes to have on hand for unexpected guests or when you want something simple that won’t leave you with a big mess to clean up.

Ratafia is a liqueur made from bitter almonds. Because they contain cyanide, I am including a recipe that uses almond extract instead! A teaspoon or two of ratafia (if you can find it) or amaretto could possibly be substituted for the extracts.

The angel parfait recipe can be adapted to many fruit and spice combinations. The cream cheese mixture can be replaced with whipped cream and a bit of confectioner’s sugar, or with pudding (custard). When pressed for time, ready-made whipped cream can be used. The cake could be replaced by any soft, crumbly cookie. The nuts may also be varied to taste. Have fun making your own combinations!

“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21