The Wilmington Morning Star

War Kitchen Whole Wheat Has 'Plus' Value In Nutrition

By GAYNOR MADDOX

"We really didn't need a war to learn how good whole-grain cereals can be," says Helen E. Ridley, outstanding home economist.

Now the science of nutrition informs us that wholegrain cereals have a plus value. Each flavorful grain carries a rich cargo of minerals and vitamins and some vegetable protein. To these elusive qualities we owe our strong bones, nervous systems and general resistance to disease," she adds.

"Now that so many foods are rationed, we should be particularly grateful that wholegrain cereals and unrefined sweets claim none of our precious points. We can let them take the place of some of the rationed foods, profiting in health while we enjoy a varied and delectable diet."

Miss Ridley, member of the National Home Economics Association, suggests these two recipes which she has tested.

Raisin-Bran Loaf

One cup bran, 2 cups flour, 1½ teaspoons soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup chopped raisins, ½ cup New Orleans molasses, 1½ cups buttermilk, 3 tablespoons melted fat, 2 eggs, beaten.

Mix dry ingredients and add raisins. Mix molasses, buttermilk and fat. Add eggs. Combine two mixtures and mix thoroughly. Turn into loaf pan which has been lined with waxed paper and bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F.) for 45 minutes or until done.

Oatmeal Walnut Cookies (5 dozen cookies)

Three-quarters cup shortening, ¼ cup sugar, ¾ cup molasses, 2 eggs, beaten; 1½ cups sifted all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups oatmeal, 1 cup finely chopped walnut meats.

Cream shortening, add sugar and molasses. When well mixed, add eggs. Mix and sift flour, soda, cinnamon and salt, combine with oatmeal and add to first mixture, then add nut meats. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet, leaving room between for them to spread, and bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F.) until brown, about 12 minutes.

Strained bacon drippings, chicken fat or beef fat can be used in these highly flavored recipes, thereby saving ration points.

TOMORROW'S MENU (Eat the Basic 7 Every Day)

BREAKFAST: Stewed cherries, eggs, raisin-bran loaf, butter or fortified margarine, coffee, milk.

LUNCH: Baked beans, brown bread, fortified margarine, cabbage and apple salad, stewed peaches, tea, milk.

DINNER: Fruit cup, fried catfish, fried potatoes, corn on cob, enriched bread, butter or fortified margarine, green salad, oatmeal walnut cookies, tea, milk.

Butter is one of the Basic Seven Foods.