Storytelling and food. NZ Stories

Mobile cooker on the Western Front
Mobile cookers like this one, which belonged to the Wellington Regiment, were able to provide simple hot meals to soldiers in the support trenches within 1000 metres of the front line. The supply of food and hot drinks, such as tea, coffee and cocoa, was crucial in maintaining the health and morale of troops who had to endure not only the anxiety of combat but the physical hardship of days and nights huddled in cold, muddy trenches.

Christmas in Wartime (with photos)

Edmonds cookery book, since 1908—part of NZ culinary history.

Tea and Biscuit Breaks.

Super interesting piece on tea and biscuits.

It also sustained soldiers at war. Norman Gray fought on the Western Front during 1916/17, taking part in the actions around the Somme and Ypres. His journal entries evoke the welcome relief that tea and the respite from activity gave to weary soldiers:

It had been raining for two and a half days and was still pouring. The walk up the hill was just about the finish for most of us. We were drenched to the bone, utterly fagged after sixty hours of almost continuous work, and it required a series of supreme efforts to keep from flopping into the mud - anywhere - and letting things rip. Just on the ridge, before we reached our site, we were greeted by the Y.M.C.A canteen, a cup of tea and two packets of biscuits ready for every man.

From Jock Phillips, Nicholas Boyack and E.P. Malone (eds), The Great Adventure: New Zealand Soldiers Describe the First World War, Allen and Unwin/Port Nicholson Press, Wellington, 1988, p.97.

Reminds me a lot of this discussion on "Builder's Tea" that Brooke and I had. Something really interesting when it is assigned to a break, what you call it also forms your identity. Tea is just tea when you drink it through the day; but there's something interesting about this special time that you allow for a break.

from My Morning Routine, Selby.

I did the ANZAC Day quiz on the NZ History site. I scored a very sad 5/10. I might not be the best candidate as I am kinda historically retarded and also I spent my impressionable growing years overseas.

Famous Last Meals

Storytelling through food. Somewhat gives the viewer a chance to empathize with the convicted, even though their actions may have been gruesome. We can guess a story on the convicted based on their choices of their last meals. We can all relate to receiving comfort from food; and if you ever want comfort food—there's a pretty high chance you would like it the night before you are executed.

Humbly presented photographs. Low contrast, plain background. No food porn wah-wahs.