THE ability of wartime cooks to create tasty meals on meagre rations is the inspiration behind a County Durham cookery project aimed at helping people on tight budgets.

Crook Salvation Army’s Victory Programme shows people how to make their food go further by teaching them recipes from the Second World War.

From a tasty mince dish bulked out with oats, to a deliciously tangy fruit crisp – the majority of the two-course meals cost just £2.50 and serve at least two people.

Many people who attend the free six-week programme have used the town’s food bank, but the course is open to anyone and has attracted people of all ages and backgrounds.

It has proven such a success since its launch three years ago that the Salvation Army hopes to roll it out to other corps.

Paula Gray was one of the first students and is now the Victory Programme co-ordinator in Crook. She believes the social benefits of the programme are just as important as the practical skills and credits the course with transforming her life.

“When I first heard about the course, I was very uncertain,” she explained.

“My children both had additional needs and I was very isolated at home at the time. I only decided to go at the last minute and I remember standing at the door, too nervous to go in.

“When I did the welcome I received was wonderful. I made some great friends and enjoyed every minute of it. It really has boosted my confidence. It’s been life-changing.”

Each week, the students receive all of the ingredients they need to create the dish, which they prepare during the session and then take home to enjoy with their families. They are also given recipe cards and ingredients to make the main course again, and those who attend at least five sessions can choose between a blender or a slow cooker as a special gift.

Ms Gray said: “The programme is based around Second World War rationing and using old recipes to make the food we have go further.

“Our food bill is one of the only bills we can control and we can reduce it by cooking meals from scratch and using our grandmother’s favourite recipes.

“Part of the programme also focuses on coming up with a budget and looking at ways we can save money.”

Other recipes covered on the course include potato, cheese and leek pie, bread and butter pudding, cheese and potato bake and victory scotch eggs.

Many of the ingredients are sourced from the Salvation Army’s allotment in Roddymoor, which students are welcome to visit to help out and learn more about growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Ms Gray said: “It’s about helping people understand where their food comes from and showing them you don’t have to spend a lot to make tasty food.

“One of the ladies here used to cook but she started using ready meals when it was just her and her husband at home. She is so happy to be back in the kitchen and has been telling me all about the lovely meal she made for her husband.”

The Victory Programme is open to people of all abilities, from beginners to competent cooks wishing to brush up their skills.

Once students complete the rolling six week course, funded by the Three Towns Area Action Partnership, they can enrol on the graduate programme.

  • The next course begins on March 17 and up to ten people can attend. To find out more or to book a place, contact 01388-762655 or search for The Victory Programme on Facebook. Transport costs can also be reimbursed.