C Ration Recipes

by Roger

Over the years the troops developed some fine culinary talents using the common ingredients of military C rations.  When friends with a bit of imagination shared, even better meals were possible. It wasn't necessary but it helped to bring a few items, such as Tabasco Sauce, from home to supplement the meal.

Sometimes when I came home from a weekend in the field or annual training I was able to bring some leftover C rations.  The kids would eat them for lunch the next time I went to the field.  They always enjoyed going through the packaged treasures and eating, "what Daddy is eating."  The table would be covered with piles of cans, boxes and wrappers.  I always saved the gum and candy for them.  When I arrived home they would meet me at the door and demand the goodies.  They seemed to think this was their reward for doing without their dad for the weekend.

In the early 1980s the old canned rations were replaced with new high tech rations that came in a plastic pouch.  The troops quickly learned how to make exotic recipes from the new style rations.  When veterans gather they will often talk about C rations.  While everyone agrees they weren't that bad almost everyone prefers eating at home.

Here are a few soldiers' recipes made from the old fashioned canned C rations.

Gravy:

Grind the crackers into a fine flour.  Add a little water.  Add powdered cream from the condiment pouch.  Pour the juice off the canned beef and add to the mixture.  Pour gravy mixture over beef or potatoes.

Upside Down Cake

Divide canned fruit into two empty cans.  Cut pound cake in half.  Put on top of canned fruit.  Heat until done.

Chocolate Frosting:

Add water to cocoa.  Add some chocolate from candy bar.  Heat until melted.  Spread over pecan cake.

Syrup:

Use melted jelly.  Pour over cake.

Meat Sauce:

Mix melted cheese, powdered cream and water.  Heat and pour over meat.

Breakfast:

Mix ham, scrambled eggs and potatoes

Casserole:

Mix potatoes and meat 

Creative dining at its best!