I’ve quit my job at 60, and for the next 3 months (at the very least), there will be no money coming in to pay the bills or the rent while I follow my dream of writing and self-publishing my first cookbook (join waitlist here).
This has concentrated my mind to say the least, and while I write my book and work out how to bring some pennies in, I also have to pull my metaphorical belt in so tightly, it will be pretty hard to breathe for several months to come.
I’ve already started how I mean to go on. A perfect example of this was yesterday in my local “Aldi’s” where “Swedes” were selling for just 5p each! (normally 65p). If I’d had room in my freezer, I would have bought 20 of them, but as I didn’t, I just bought two. I steamed one of them to make 5 portions of mash and chopped up one of them, and put it in the freezer, ready to add to stews and pies!
During the Second World War, the humble swede quietly earned its place on the British table. With imports cut off and rationing shaping every meal, this sturdy root vegetable became a dependable friend on the home front, easy to grow, easy to store, and endlessly adaptable. The Ministry of Food encouraged families to make the most of swedes, and they soon found their way into everyday cooking, mashed with a little seasoning, bulked out in stews and soups, baked into pies, or grated into surprisingly inventive dishes.
While it may not have been everyone’s favourite, the swede filled bellies, stretched rations, and helped households get by with what they had. Today, it stands as a reminder of wartime thrift, resilience, and the make-do spirit that defined British kitchens in the 1940s.
I honestly don’t know why “swedes” are given such bad press. Almost as versatile as the potato and as easy to store, I just think they have simply fallen out of fashion.
But that’s what this blog is all about, remembering those faithful foods that got our families through challenging times and kept them fed and well.
Those two swedes I prepared yesterday have provided me with 10 portions for just 10p. Very economical and in my opinion, simply delicious!
Much love, C xxxx
Yes, I agree,abput the swede, always a favourite in our family. The French, such ‘foodies’ were, however equally dismissive of it, declaring ‘Ah, non, on a mange ca pendant la guerre!’ (Oh, no, people ate it during the war!’) as if that was a reason to take against it. More fool them, with butter and a liberal sprinkling of pepper, it is delicious..
Totally agree, Steve! One of my very favourite vegetables, and not often available here in Australia. (When I do see it I always stock up!) Absolutely delicious!