During the Great Depression it was common for folks to put a small amount of ketchup in a cup and add hot water to make ketchup soup. When possible, they would add cream or milk to make it more palatable and nutritious.

Most college students know that an 18 cent Top Ramen package can provide a variety of meals through different combinations – the noodles can be eaten uncooked with a texture similar to popcorn, the flavor packet can be added to hot water to make a broth, or you can combine them both as originally intended.

Recently I was stuck in a situation where no food or coffee was available but there was a hot water spout on a coffee brewer. I had some breath mints so I placed one in a cup and added hot water to it. I let it steep for about 10 minutes and ended up with a suitably satisfying beverage.

I’m sure that there are readers who have extensive experience in this field and I would like to invite your comments so that we can all learn more ways to be nourished and comforted in a stranded or desperate situation.