The Wartime Kitchen and Garden

1993 · Documentary

Join Ruth Mott and Harry Dodson as they show us how they managed during WW2.

Episodes

▶1. Episode 1We begin during the 'phoney war', as flowers are cleared out to make room for vegetables and the larder is filled. Plus help is on hand from a land girl and an evacuee.▶2. Episode 2Rationing began in January 1940 and quickly encouraged 'creative' cooking, so Ruth rustles up breast of lamb in egg and breadcrumbs. Meanwhile, Harry gets to work building some giant compost heaps and shows his land girl, Annie, how to make glass cloches.▶3. Episode 3During the summer of 1940, cooks were donating their utensils for weapons manufacture and gardeners were 'digging for victory'. In this edition, Ruth makes a chocolate pudding with carrot as a sweetener. Plus find out more about the cardboard wedding cake.▶4. Episode 4Inspired by the 'pig clubs' which emerged from the ruins of a blitzed Britain, Ruth makes brawn from half a pig's head - not a task for the squeamish! Plus Harry uses an uncomfortable period backpack to spray his potato crop.▶5. Episode 5Focusing on austerity measures, Ruth asks Harry to buy a few tomatoes 'under the counter'. She also gets to work on making a mock banana using mashed parsnip.▶6. Episode 6Even when the tide of war began to turn in the allies' favour, there was no let-up in the domestic situation back home. Ruth bakes salt cod with boiled nettles, and Harry grows and cures tobacco.▶7. Episode 7By the time of D-day, Britain was into its fifth year of war, and keeping healthy had become a national preoccupation. In this edition, Ruth makes a 'Swiss breakfast' of oats, raw carrot, apple and raisins. Meanwhile, shrapnel shatters the glasshouse and damages Harry's tomato crop.▶8. Episode 8By 1945 there had been no improvement in the food situation, and the winter brought with it the worst fuel crisis of the war. Ruth saves on gas by using a steamer to make elderflower fritters, while Harry cultivates haricot beans and celebrates VE day.

More Like This

Gardening Australia

2005 · ★ 6.7

Gardening Australia provides practical, realistic and credible horticultural and gardening advice, inspiring and entertaining Australian gardeners around the nation.

More info →

Fresh, Fried & Crispy

2021 · ★ 6.9

Passionate about food and ready for fun, critic Daym Drops drops in on America's smokin' hot spots for the best, freshest takes on fried food.

More info →

Heartland Table

2013

Join Amy Thielen, native Midwesterner, chef and connoisseur of all things authentically Midwestern, in her charming cabin kitchen as she cooks some of the heartland’s most-delicious and often-surprising dishes. She will also take us to meet the locals at their rural homes or restaurants, lakeside kitchens and working farms.

More info →

Farmhouse Rules

2013

Nancy Fuller prepares recipes made with farm-fresh ingredients.

More info →

Heart & Soul

2015

Jacques Pépin brings you his final series, with over 100 recipes. The culinary icon shares memories and wisdom from a half a century in the kitchen with passion, humor, and dearest friends and family along the way.

More info →

The Ambush Cook

2011

Is something holding you back in the kitchen? Are you a fearful cook who can't seem to saute, simmer or steam your way to a great meal? "Your OWN show" winner Kristina Kuzmič is determined to get you cooking! Watch her on Ambush Cook to overcome your cooking hang-ups.

More info →

Just a Dash

2019 · ★ 8.2

Over-the-top and unfiltered, celebrity chef Matty Matheson whips up global comfort foods on a culinary adventure that's equal parts lessons and laughs.

More info →

The Unlikely Cook with Awkwafina

2026

Nora Lum aka Awkwafina embarks on a deeply personal cross-country journey as she explores contemporary Asian American cuisine, starting with her family's remarkable legacy.

More info →

The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice

2014 · ★ 5.2

Jo Brand is joined by three different celebrity Bake Off fans to shine a spotlight on the good, the bad and the soggy bottomed from the most recent episode.

More info →

Benefit Busters

2009

Benefit Busters is a British documentary series, broadcast on Channel 4 during August and September 2009.

More info →

The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook

2006 · ★ 8

Two lifelong bikers and foodies, Dave Myers and Si King, take to the road to find gastronomic treats.

More info →

Eat Well For Less New Zealand

2020

Hosted by local chef Michael Van de Elzen and restaurateur Ganesh Raj, Eat Well For Less NZ is here to help New Zealanders shop, cook and eat better – and save on their household bills along the way.

More info →