CAN you imagine baking Christmas cake -- with powdered egg and lemon substitute?

Well, that is what they used during World War Two and just after. And one Egerton woman has found these BEN recipes to prove it.

Doreen Healey, a primary school teacher, came across this cutting -- from the Ministry of Food -- in a cookery book she had inherited from her mother.

"It just fell out when I opened it," said Doreen.

"When you look at it, you see that fresh eggs must have been coming back.

"I think my mother used the recipes often, judging by the grease marks on it!

"I used to make Christmas cake, but not so much now.

"I've never made mincemeat or Christmas pudding -- but in those days you had to make it yourself, you had no choice!"