Cooking in Occupied France - Normandy

[AmateisGal]

Oh boy. Me and my research adventures! I've gone on a quest to try and find some dishes that would have been made in Normandy during and right after the German Occupation. I'm specifically looking for the Eure area in eastern Normandy. Rationing in France stayed in effect until 1949, so there's that to consider.

Anyone have an idea of where to find some info on this? I know we talked about the ration diet in America, but I'm quite interested in the Normandy diet during the war. I know that people in the countryside fared better and they would usually send food to their relatives in the city.

 

[FinalVestige79]

I would suggest reading Ernie Pyle's Brave Men, in the latter chapters when he takes part in the D-Day invasion he talks about his thoughts of life for the French in Normandy. He talks about the food and rationing too. I remember that he states something to the effect of, "lack of food is worse for the metropolitan people than for the country people because the people in the country are nearly self sufficient. You could not find fresh eggs or butter in Paris." Something like that. I hope that helps.

 

[AmateisGal]

Excellent! Thanks for the tip!

 

[Smithy]

I'm currently reading "The Road to Biggin Hill" which is the biography of NZ ace Johnny Checketts. He was shot down over France in 1943, evaded capture and lived with various French families for a couple of months before escaping back to England. Interestingly he mentions food and what he ate during this time.

Food was fairly scarce, far more so than what he expected. The usual meal seemed to be vegetable soup (made from whatever could be collected, scrounged, or bought) and bread. Meat was in shortish supply and the occasional chook was used in a stew. All up the lack of grub in occupied France was fair more obvious than in wartime England.

 

[AmateisGal]

I'm currently reading "The Road to Biggin Hill" which is the biography of NZ ace Johnny Checketts. He was shot down over France in 1943, evaded capture and lived with various French families for a couple of months before escaping back to England. Interestingly he mentions food and what he ate during this time.

Food was fairly scarce, far more so than what he expected. The usual meal seemed to be vegetable soup (made from whatever could be collected, scrounged, or bought) and bread. Meat was in shortish supply and the occasional chook was used in a stew. All up the lack of grub in occupied France was fair more obvious than in wartime England.

Great stuff. Thanks, Smithy.

 

[MisterCairo]

Oh boy. Me and my research adventures! I've gone on a quest to try and find some dishes that would have been made in Normandy during and right after the German Occupation. I'm specifically looking for the Eure area in eastern Normandy. Rationing in France stayed in effect until 1949, so there's that to consider.

Anyone have an idea of where to find some info on this? I know we talked about the ration diet in America, but I'm quite interested in the Normandy diet during the war. I know that people in the countryside fared better and they would usually send food to their relatives in the city.

VICHY-soise, anyone?:eusa_doh:

 

[Spitfire]

I have a book somewhere on the occupation and D-day in France. I am pretty sure there is something about the food and the rationing. When I find it, I'll be back with more...

 

[Spitfire]

Found it:

Unfortunately no recipes - but anyhow, here is something on food and rationing:

Fashion:

Music:

And the movies:

It's a nice book, which also has lots of stuff on german and allied uniforms, weapons, books, childrens toys and comics, entertainment etc. Everyday life in Britain and France up to and after D-day.
Guesse you can still buy it. I bought mine in France in 1995 though. Hope it can inspire your project.