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A Taste of History: The Surprising Meal of Civil War Soldiers
When recalling the dietary staples of soldiers during the American Civil War, hardtack, salted pork, and acorn coffee often come to mind as the go-to foods. But what if we introduced a surprising twist to this narrative? Bread pudding—a dish typically associated with comfort and nostalgia—emerged as a potential convalescent treat for soldiers recovering in hospitals. The catch? You had to endure an injury first. Today, we delve into the intriguing recipe found in Dr. Joseph J. Woodward’s Hospital Steward's Manual from 1862, reportedly winding up in hospital menus.