| Commercially prepared meals were used in the field and at times when hot meals were not available. These meals came in a case containing 12 meals. Each meal was in it's own cardboard box, which contained the individual items sealed in cans. A can opener (called both a "John Wayne" or a "P-38") was needed to open the cans. The accessory pack with each meal was sealed in a foil pouch. This is the official Quartermaster's description of C-Rations used in Vietnam"The Meal, Combat, Individual, is designed for issue as the tactical situation dictates, either in individual units as a meal or in multiples of three as a complete ration. Its characteristics emphasize utility, flexibility of use, and more variety of food components than were included in the Ration, Combat, Individual (C Ration) which it replaces. Twelve different menus are included in the specification. Each menu contains: one canned meat item; one canned fruit, bread or dessert item; one B unit; an accessory packet containing cigarettes, matches, chewing gum, toilet paper, coffee, cream, sugar, and salt; and a spoon. Four can openers are provided in each case of 12 meals. Although the meat item can be eaten cold, it is more palatable when heated. Each complete meal contains approximately 1200 calories. The daily ration of 3 |
| RICE PADDY STEW 1 can franks and beans 1 can beefsteak with potatoes 1 can of pork steaks 1 can meat balls and beans 1 can beefsteak with juices 2 cans of cheese spread, melted 2 cans of crumbled crackers 2 spoons of fat or oil 4 spoons of onions 1 medium can water 2 generous dashes of Hot Sauce 1 medium can of cooked rice Melt oil or fat and saute onions in it, then add the cheese until it is melted and well blended. Now add the crackers stir for a few minutes and return to the cooking utensil. Combined the cans of meats and beans and potatoes and add hot sauce. See that the stew is always thick. Pour over a bed of boiled rice and add dash of Hot Sauce. |
| FOX HOLE DINNER FOR TWO (Turkey & Chicken Poulette) 1 can chicken and noodles 1 can turkey loaf, cut up into pieces 1 can cheese spread 12 spoons milk Crackers from one C-Ration can, crumbled Salt & pepper to taste 2 spoons butter or oil or fat- 2 spoons flour 3 dashes hot sauce Melt butter oil or fat, add flour and stir until smooth. Add milk and continue to cook until cheese melts and sauce is even. Empty cans of turkey loaf and chicken noodles into cheese sauce. Season with hot sauce, salt & pepper to taste and continue cooking. Cover poulette with crumbled crackers and serve piping hot. |
| "The American fighting man today does not have a personal chef, but he does have his C-Rations. The contents of these remarkable packages contain far more nutriments than normally required for any man in the field and offer solid good-tasting meals that are the envy of fighting men all over the world. Occasionally, though, a trooper will find it necessary to depend on C-Rations for a prolonged period of time...and it is with this in mind that TABASCO brand pepper sauce thought of a recipe book to help add dash and variety.....All he needs is imagination and a buddy who will act as assistant chef. Whether eaten alone, with a buddy or in a group, the recipes found in this book are used in single units and various combinations of the basic C-Rations. Some outside ingredients may help, but they are not essential to the menus...." |
| BREAST OF CHICKEN UNDER BULLETS 1 can boned chicken 1 can cheese spread Salt & Pepper to taste White Bread 1dash of TABASCO 2 spoons of butter, oil, fat, if available Heat the can of boned chicken in a meat can. Melt the cheese spread. If butter fat or oil is available, add two spoons. Season with salt & pepper and TABASCO. Cut the loaf of white bread in half. Place a mound of chicken over each half of whte bread and cover each with the hot melted cheese sauce. |
| POUND CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE 1 can pound cake 2 rounds chocolate candy 2 spoons butter, oil, or fat 3 spoons of milk Open pound cake and set aside. Melt butter, oil, or fat in a mess can. Add broken pieces of chocolate and continue cooking until melted. Do not overcook. Add milk to make a smooth and creamy consistency. Pour the chocolate mixture over the pound cake and allow to set till icing is firm. |
| CREAMED TURKEY ON TOAST 4 spoons bamboo shoots 2 spoons green onions (green part only) 2 spoons of butter, oil, or fat 15 spoons of milk 3 drops pepper sauce salt & pepper to taste 1 can turkey loaf, sliced 2 spoons flour This is a more elegant version of SOS. Melt butter, oil or fat and saute onions or bamboo shoots. Add flour and cook until smooth. Now add spoons of milk, a few at a time, and continue cooking till sauce is thick and smooth. Add other ingredients and then the sliced turkey, and continue cooking till turkey is well heated through. Serve immediately over rounds of white bread, which have been fried in butter, oil, fat, or toasted, if possible. |
