The Taste of History

The "health foods" idea is not a new one. Consider, for instance, this from the East Hampton Ladies Village Improvement Society's 1939 cookbook:

HEALTH WHOLE WHEAT CAKE

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

2 egg yolks, well beaten

2 stiffly beaten egg whites

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsps. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour first, then measure. Cream butter thoroughly, add sugar gradually, then yolks and vanilla.

At least three times, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Add alternately with the milk, the flour, and the butter mixture. Lastly, fold in the stiffly beaten egg white.

This recipe may be used either for a loaf or layers (the layers of course will be small). The oven, for layers, should be 360 degrees for approximately 25 minutes; for loaf, 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.The cake can be frosted with:

1 cup each finely cut dates and raisins

Suggestion of salt

1/2 cup well ground walnuts

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tbsp. honey

1 pint cream, whipped.

Thoroughly mix salt, vanilla, honey, nuts, and fruits. Fold into the whipped cream and put, covered, into refrigerator for at least one hour before using on cake, as this will moisten fruits through. Use between layers and over top and sides of cake.

Mrs. Ruth Samuells Braem