Turnep-bread, a 17th Century Recipe, Part Two or How Does it Taste? ©

 

From Storrs & Harrison Co; Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection, Spring 1899.

 

I hadn’t planned on writing a part two to the article “Turnep-bread, a 17th Century Recipe ©”, HERE, but because of all of the questions, here is part two -- Author’s Note

 

“So, how was the turnep-bread?!”, that’s what everyone asked me.

 

Next time, I will make 4 smaller loaves, instead of one big one, because it will cook faster.  Photograph by the Author.

It was quite good, and in fact, it passed the “four-year-old kid test”, since my granddaughter proclaimed it “delicious”!  The only complaints I heard, were from people who admitted also, that they didn’t generally like whole wheat bread in the first place.

 

The crust was a little thick and the bread a bit dense, photograph by the Author.

There were two problems, it was a little dense and had a thick crust, even though it tasted good.  It was crusty because I had to cook it a long time at a lower temperature to bake it all the way through, because the cast iron pot was so deep, and it was dense because I hadn’t pressed enough of the turnip juice out of the mashed turnips.  Because of the extra turnip water , I had to knead a couple extra cups of flour into the dough to get it so would barely stick together.  Unfortunately, all the extra kneading, worked a lot of the leavening out of the bread, making it dense and tough. 

 

For more on how to avoid these problems look for a future article titled “Turnep-bread, a 17th Century Recipe, Lessons Learned ©”, which can be read if you are a Patreon subscriber.

 

Even when the loaf cooled and dried out, it still weighed close to five pounds, or 2.3 kilograms, photograph by the Author.

One problem, if you could call it that, was that the recipe made a lot of bread.  In fact, the loaf, when it was fresh from the oven weighed five pounds, or about 2.3 kilograms.  The good thing is that turnep-bread keeps well, I wrapped it in food plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator and it got better tasting over time.¹

 

It was great toasted or plain with butter, photograph by the Author.

So, what did I do with all that bread?  Some of it I ate plain with butter, and some I toasted, some I ate with cheese, some I ate with pea soup, and some I made into bread pudding!

 

Turnep-bread with pea soup, photograph by the Author.

I enjoyed it plain with butter and it was even better toasted, and it was yummy with a slab of cheddar cheese melted on it.  It was also great when dipped into pea soup, a traditional meal that poor people in England, and elsewhere, would have eaten in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries.  But it was truly delicious when I made some of it into bread pudding!

 

As bread pudding it was truly delicious, photograph by the Author.

    * 4 Cups (32 fluid ounces or 1 quart/.95 liter) of milk

    * 4 Tablespoons of butter (57 grams) of butter

    * 1 Pound (454 grams) of stale bread

    * ½ Cup (100 grams) of white sugar

    * 3 eggs

    * ½ cup (80 grams) of raisins

    * 1 teaspoon (3 grams) of cinnamon, can be added

    * Rosewater to taste - note: rosewater has floral flavor            that is not quite savory, and not quite sweet, and this         ingredient can be skipped if desired

 

First:    Scald the milk and set aside, remember to stir the milk constantly while heating it.

Second:  Crumble or cube bread, add sugar and cinnamon, if desired, and combine butter.

Third:   Beat 3 eggs lightly into a well-buttered baking bowl.  Add milk and rosewater

Fourth: Stir in bread and add raisins, stirring lightly until the raisins sink in.

Fifth:    Bake at 300^oF (149^oC) for one hour

From The King’s Bread, 2d rising: Cooking at Niagara 1726-1815, page 70

 

Now I must decide what to do with the last fourth of a loaf, photograph by the Author.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy Holiday Season!

Don’t forget to come back next week and read “Winter Storms...the Deceptive Killers! ©”, where we will talk about winter storms and how stay warm and safe.

 

I hope that you continue to enjoy The Woodsman’s Journal Online and look for me on YouTube at BandanaMan Productions for other related videos, HERE.  Don’t forget to follow me on both The Woodsman’s Journal Online, HERE, and subscribe to BandanaMan Productions on YouTube.  If you have questions, as always, feel free to leave a comment on either site.  I announce new articles on Facebook at Eric Reynolds, on Instagram at bandanamanaproductions, and on VK at Eric Reynolds, so watch for me.

 

That is all for now, and as always, until next time, Happy Trails!

 

 

Notes

 

¹ This is exactly what the author, S.L., noted in The Annual Register of World Events: A Review of the Year 1763, pages 133 to 134.

 

² Pudding bags are just a yard (almost one meter) square of cloth large enough to hold a pudding inside, and they could be made of linen, cotton, muslin, or calico.  You can buy them from Tidespoint, HERE.

 

Sources

 

Farmer, Dennis & Carole; The King’s Bread, 2^d rising: Cooking at Niagara 1726-1815, [Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc., Youngstown, NY, 1989], page 70

Building a WWII Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-1, Part Two: or What’s in Pocket One©

 

 

An Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-1, from the National Museum of the United States Air Force HERE and HERE.  Numbered by the Author.

This is the second in a series of articles, Part One is HERE, don’t forget to come back and read the rest – Author’s Note

 

So, you want to build a survival vest like the “Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-1” of the late 1940’s and 50’s, a really, cool, piece of survival gear that is no longer available.  OK, this week we are going to talk about what was in pocket one and what similar items we can put into a modern emergency survival vest today, and where to find them.

 

The first pocket, conforming with the priorities in the Rule of Threes, is for first aid supplies.  Graphic by the Author.

Finding out what went into pocket one was the easy part, replicating them with items easily available today is a little more difficult, since for example morphine syrettes and Benzedrine sulfate tablets, or “bennies”¹ are not easily available!

 

The other problem was determining just how much space each of the pocket’s contained.  This is a bit of a problem since I haven’t been able to run down the original military specifications for the “Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-1”.  Therefore, we are going to do some math and estimate from the photograph below².

 

A close-up of a period photo titled “Kit, vest type assy., type C-1 2-29-44”, an excerpt from the Army Air Force; “Technical Data Digest”, January 1945, page 56.

What’s in pocket one...?

 

Pocket one was for the pilot’s personal first aid kit.  This pocket appears from the photo to be about 2 ¾ inches wide, by about 3 ³/₁₆ inches tall and 1-¼ inches deep (7 cm wide

x 8 cm tall by 3.2 cm deep), which means it will hold almost 11 cubic inches of first aid supplies (about 180 cubic centimeters). 

 

An Altoids® candy tin, photograph by the Author.

For comparison an Altoids® candy tin is about 2-¹/₈ inches wide by 2-⁷/₈ inches tall by ¾ inches deep (5.4 cm wide x 7.3 cm tall x 1.9 cm deep) and hold 1.76 fluid ounces, or 50 grams.  Pocket number one could have comfortably held an Altoids® candy tin sized personal first aid kit, with some room to spare.

 

A listing of what was in pocket one of the “Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-1”, an excerpt from the Army Air Force; “Technical Data Digest”, January 1945, page 56, modified by the Author.

Ignoring the fact that the original pilot’s first aid kit included a morphine syrette and “uppers” or Benzedrine sulfate tablets; based on the original listing of the contents, this was NOT a trauma kit.  It is a personal first aid kit, a comfort kit, otherwise known as a “Boo, boo” kit, to take care of minor aches, pains, and scratches.

 

1 -- tube boric acid ointment

 

From the National Museum of American History, Behring Center.

This first aid kit included a .6 ounce, or 18-gram, tube of boric acid ointment, which was a topical antiseptic to treat minor cuts or scratches, skin irritations, fungal infections and as an ophthalmic ointment, when in a 5% concentration with white petrolatum.  However, as of 2020, it is not recommended for use by the FDA and is not available over the counter because of toxicity and potential lethality³. 

 

Instead of boric acid ointment, 25% zinc oxide ointment should be used to treat wind or sunburn, chaffed or itchy skin, minor scrapes, insect bites, and the weeping associated with poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.  Also zinc oxide may help block both UV-A and UV-B rays, and some consider it the safest among all broad-spectrum UV filters, as it doesn’t break down into unstable substance in the sun.  Dynarex No. 1190 Zinc Oxide Ointment comes in 1 ounce (28 grams) tube.

 

1 -- small vial iodine

 

An example of Benzalkonium Chloride wipes, photo by the Author.

You could include a vial of iodine tincture as a topical antiseptic, it is one of the best antiseptics, but it is alcohol-based, it stings, and some people are allergic to it, so substitute several triple antibiotic ointments single-use packets and several BZK (benzalkonium chloride) antiseptic towelettes, for it instead. 

 

Benzalkonium Chloride or BZK wipes are excellent for cleaning minor cuts, scrapes and burns as BZK will not damage already fragile tissue.  BZK wipes do not sting, and they do not dry out the skin, the way that alcohol wipes do, so they are ideal for use on sensitive skin.⁴ 

 

For more on BZK towelettes, see “Alcohol Prep Pads...BZK Towelettes……Hand Wipes…Wound Wipes...What?!©”, HERE.

 

1 -- vial aspirin tablets

Including some form of fever or pain relief tablets in a personal first aid kit is a good idea, and aspirin has an added, extra advantage, it can help with heart attacks.  

 

The Mayo Clinic notes, “Taking aspirin during a heart attack is safe and recommended.  If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or emergency medical services.  Don't delay calling for help.  Aspirin alone won't save your life if you're having a heart attack”⁶.

 

Aspirin tablets and other small first aid supplies can be packed in small craft 2.5 mil Reclosable Seal Clear Plastic Poly Bag available at Walmart, HERE, and at other craft stores.

 

1 -- vial salt tablets

 

 Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any information on the size of the salt tablets in the first aid kit in the “Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-1”, however in the “Individual Aid and Survival Kit”, circa 1963, the military recommended 10-grain (648 milligrams) salt tablets which could be used to replace salt lost due to sweating.⁴ 

 

Ordinarily , according to FM 21-18, Foot Marches, June 1990, page 2-5, “...salt in food compensates for the daily salt requirements.  Additional intake of salt should be under the direction and supervision of a physician or physician’s assistant^”.  However, since the designers of the “Emergency Sustenance Vest”, anticipated that the downed pilots might miss some meals, it was felt that salt tablets would be necessary.  Two, 10-grain or 650 milligram, salt tablets are equal ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) of salt, which when combined with a quart of water (.95 liter) creates a 0.1% salt solution, which is the ideal concentration for rehydrating.  The salt tablets should be crushed before mixing them with water and should not be eaten by themselves as they can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting.⁵

 

The salt tablets in the picture above are only 500 mg each, not 650 mg, and are available HERE.

 

1 -- vial halazone tablets

 

A Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System, HERE.  If mini water filters had existed during World War II, I am sure they would have been included in the “Emergency Sustenance Vest”.

You should ALWAYS disinfect ALL water during a survival situation, you have enough to worry about without including potentially life-threatening diarrhea!  

 

The designers of the “Emergency Sustenance Vest”, included 24 tablets of halazone in the first aid kit, which would treat 24 quarts or liters of water.  Halazone tablets were commonly used during World War II by U.S. soldiers for portable water purification, and a typical dosage was one 4 mg tablet into each one-quart canteen.

 

One problem with most chemical water disinfection tablets, is they have a short shelf life, and worse yet once the bottle is opened, they degrade rapidly due to contact with the air.  The exception to this is Polar Pure Iodine Crystal Kit which uses 99.5% crystalline iodine; these crystals are not affected by age, air, or temperature.  Each kit of Polar Pure can treat 2,000 quarts water.

 

Don’t forget that boiling is the best and safest method of disinfecting water and is preferred over all methods of chemical disinfection, because most disease-causing pathogenss cannot survive at a boil of 212^oF, or 100^oC.  The water must be heated to rolling or vigorous rolling boil for 1 minutes at sea level and for an additional three minutes at elevations above 6,562 feet, or 2,000 meters.  For more information, read “Water Disinfection: When is boiled, boiled enough…? ©”, HERE.

 

Additionally, and better still, you could substitute a Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System, which at 5 ¼ inches, (13.3 cm) long wouldn’t have fit into the first aid kit or into pocket number one, but that would be able to filter 100,000 gallons of water and which weighs only 2 ounces (57 grams).

 

1 -- vial sodamint tablets

 

Sodamint tablets were made with sodium bicarbonate, the same chemical in baking soda or in Alka-Seltzer ® brand antacids.  They were used as an antacid to treat heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach, and it is a very quick-acting antacid, providing temporary relief.  Alternatively, you could use a 12-tablet roll of Rolaids® Regular Strength Tablets, which contain calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide , instead of sodium bicarbonate, and which comes in a mint flavor.

 

4 -- sterile bandaids

 

Four large bandaids to cover minor cuts and scrapes were included in the original “Emergency Sustenance Vest”, first aid kit and are always a good idea.  Bandaids make everything better!

 

2 -- 2 - inch compress

 

A Compression Bandage, 2", from Genuine First Aid, HERE.

I am uncertain, from the photograph and the content listing, of whether the designers were describing a 2-inch off center trauma dressing or a 2” x 2” gauze sterile pad.  

Off center trauma dressings can be used as a major or minor wound pads or can be compressed and secured over the wound with first aid tape.  Gauze sterile pads can be used, folded to 2” x 2” or unfolded to 2” x 6”, to cover wounds or apply medicines.  Both would be very helpful and perhaps it would be a good idea to include both in your personal first aid kit, if you have the space.

 

1 -- small cake of soap

 

One of the best ways to prevent infections or intestinal issues, is to keep your hands and body, and any cuts or scrapes clean.  Also, the soap in the first aid kit can be used with the safety razor, which the designers “Emergency Sustenance Vest” included for hygiene reasons, but which can also be used to shave body hair, so that wounds can be bandaged easily.

 

Overall, in the event of a wilderness survival event, all of these items will make waiting for rescue or trekking to friendly territory much more comfortable and easier.  For other suggestions on what to include in a personal first aid kit, read an “Individual Aid and Survival Kit, Circa 1963, Part One ©, HERE, and Part Two HERE.

 

The Author’s personal first aid kit, or “Boo, boo” kit; and an Altoids® box for comparison.  Photograph by the Author.

I put my personal first aid kit into the outer, middle pocket, shown as number one in the picture.  Photograph by the Author.

 

Don’t forget to come back next week and read “Turnep-bread, a 17th Century Recipe, How Does it Taste? ©”, where we will talk about how the turnep-bread that we made tasted and the different dishes it can be used in. 

 

I hope that you continue to enjoy The Woodsman’s Journal Online and look for me on YouTube at BandanaMan Productions for other related videos, HERE.  Don’t forget to follow me on both The Woodsman’s Journal Online, HERE, and subscribe to BandanaMan Productions on YouTube.  If you have questions, as always, feel free to leave a comment on either site.  I announce new articles on Facebook at Eric Reynolds, on Instagram at bandanamanaproductions, and on VK at Eric Reynolds, so watch for me.

 

That is all for now, and as always, until next time, Happy Trails!

 

 

Notes

 

¹ Uppers during military operations have some practical applications, but during civilian emergencies in the wilderness they are not necessary.  I do not carry anything like that since I don’t have to worry about falling asleep and being surprised by the enemy if I become lost.

 

² The pockets were scaled by comparing the known dimensions of the large pocketknife and the compass matchbox.

 

³ “Boric Acid”, by the University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (M-CERSI), University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

 

⁴ As a disinfectant, BZK works by disrupting the pathogen’s membrane and is effective against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria; enveloped, or lipophilic, viruses, yeasts, fungi, and protozoa.  The concentration of benzalkonium chloride in BZK towelettes ranges from .1% to .13%.

 

⁵ Eric A Weiss, MD, A Comprehensive Guide To Wilderness & Travel Medicine, 3^rd Edition

 

⁶ Mayo Clinic Staff, “Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks”, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797

 

Sources

 

“AD 401819, Department of Army Approved Small Development Requirement for Individual Aid and Survival Kit for Special Warfare”, [Reproduced by Defense Documentation Center for Scientific and Technical Information, Cameron Station, Alexandria, Virginia, Originally by the Headquarters United States Army Combat Developments Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, April 17, 1963], https://ia902804.us.archive.org/19/items/DTIC_AD0401819/DTIC_AD0401819.pdf, accessed September 14, 2018

 

“374659, Employment Of A Special Forces Group (U)”, [Army Concept Team In Vietnam, April 20, 1966], https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/374659.pdf, accessed May 20 2020, page H-4 to H-6

 

National Museum of the United States Air Force; “C-1 Emergency Sustenance Vest”, https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195884/air-rescue/, accessed October 31, 2022

 

The National Museum of American History, Behring Center; “Boric Acid 5% Ophthalmic Ointment”, https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1215884, and accessed December 16, 2022

 

The National Museum of American History, Behring Center; “Boric Acid Ointment 10%”, https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1215859, and accessed December 16, 2022

 

University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (M-CERSI), University of Maryland School of Pharmacy; “Boric Acid”, January 2020, page 9, https://archive.hshsl.umaryland.edu/bitstream/handle/10713/12085/Boric%20acid_Final_2020_01.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y, accessed December 16, 2022

 

United States Army, ST 31-91B, US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook, [Paladin Press, Boulder, Colorado, March 1, 1982], pages 11-1 to 11-2

 

Weiss, Eric A, MD, A Comprehensive Guide To Wilderness & Travel Medicine, 3^rd Edition [Adventure Medical Kits, Oakland, CA, 2005], page 150-151