1917 to 1945 Cake #1

1917 Applesauce Cake

I have entered a new time period in this history of cake book; a time of a lot of hardship and economic turbulence. Throughout this time period, America went through two world wars and a depression. You will see that the cakes become much simpler and use fewer ingredients during these years.

The Applesauce cake was a very economical cake, it uses very little, if any, eggs,sugar or butter. The applesauce made it moist and it did not need any frosting.

The following is an excerpt from the book about a woman who thought highly of this cake, so much so she believed it to be a patriotic cake:

In her 1917 book, Everyday foods in War Time, Mary Swartz Rose, who was an assistant professor in the department of nutrition at the Teachers College of Columbia University, New York, said recipes like applesauce cake supported the country's World War I effort. Her slogan was "Food is Fuel for Fighters. Do not waste it. Save WHEAT, MEAT, SUGARS. and FATS. Send more to our Soldiers, Sailors, and Allies."

My Experience:

I instantly felt the difference when I was preparing the ingredients for this cake. I did not have to shop for special ingredients and it used very little of what I already had in my kitchen. The people of that generation needed to be frugal with their money and ingredients, but they still found ways to have dessert:) The other thing I noticed was that not only was it economical in cost but it was also economical with my time. It took less than an hour from start to finish, including baking time. It makes sense, since the women were volunteering and taking jobs during the wars while still raising their children, that they needed things to be quick and easy.

This cake was simple, it had a pretty good texture and nice flavor with all of its spices. (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) Not much excitement from the neighbors, but nothing negative either. The thing I appreciate most about this cake is the picture of the ingredients; small amounts of everything and so easy to prepare.