Thursday, December 29, 2005

Ramen Salad

Afternoon. I seem to be on a light-fare kick lately. Maybe it has something to do with all that candy I ate around Christmas.

You too? Good. I am not alone.

I really like this one and you can throw in some sunflower seeds too.

I know the noodles aren't really good-for-you food.

Take some fish oil to make up for it.

RAMEN SALAD

Salad:

  • 1 pkg. ramen noodles
  • 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds (optional)
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 2 to 3 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 head lettuce (torn)
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, crab, or chicken
Dressing:

  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • ¼ cup oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
In large salad bowl, put green onions, almonds, lettuce and meat.

Prepare ramen noodles (as for a side dish) according to the package and let cool. Add to lettuce, along with the salad dressing.


By the way, if you notice a difference in the look of the post, its because I'm trying something different today. I'm posting while in Firefox.

Eating lite,

Editor

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

GRANDMOTHER'S ORANGE SALAD

I trust you had a wonderful Christmas - weather notwithstanding.

I know this recipe is more of a spring/summer mix but it's in the sampler and therefore is part of my recipe post campaign I talked about a few days ago.

And no, I'm not really sure who's grandmother, but she could cook.

GRANDMOTHER'S ORANGE SALAD
  • 1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges
  • 1 can ( 8 oz) crushed pineapple
  • 1 pkg. (6 oz.) orange flavored gelatin
  • 1 pint orange sherbet, softened
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • water


Drain oranges and pineapple, reserving juices, set oranges and pineapple aside. Add water to juices to measure 2 cups.

Place in a saucepan and bring to a boil; pour over gelatin in a large bowl. Stir until gelatin is dissolved.

Stir in sherbet until smooth. Chill until partially set (watch carefully).

Fold in oranges, pineapple and bananas. Pour into an oiled 6 cup mold. Chill until firm.


As Scarlett uttered, "Tomorrow is another day."

Editor


http://www.holyprotectioncookbook.com/

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

MACARONI SALAD

Short post this morning. Another honorific recipe.

JACK'S MACARONI SALAD

  • 1 large package small shell macaroni
  • 1 cup finely chopped radishes
  • 1 cup finely chopped green pepper
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup finely chopped onions (optional)
  • 2 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • dash of paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste


Cook and drain shell macaroni according to package instructions. Add the remaining ingredients to drained macaroni. You may add additional mayonnaise for best consistency. Best when chilled for several hours.

Thanks for listening.

Editor


http://www.holyprotectioncookbook.com/

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas

I doesn't matter what religion or spiritual road you follow,

YOU can still have a Merry Christmas.

It's all in your attitude, no matter the day!

In any event, I had a superb spread last night. Had some shrimp in it. I'll get that recipe and post it ASIC (as soon as I can).

I want to pass this on in the spirit of the season:



Its up to you,
Editor.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Here's a great spread for your finger food

HUNGARIAN CHEESE SPREAD

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ lb. feta cheese
  • 1 stick butter (NOT margarine)
  • 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika
  • ½ tsp. caraway seeds
  • 1 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 or 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • a few chives finely chopped


Cream all ingredients until smooth.

Spread it on crackers, breads - even use it to adorn meat sandwiches.

I gotta go. I don't have my shopping done yet. Merry Christmas!

Editor


http://www.holyprotectioncookbook.com/

Thursday, December 22, 2005

CHEESE-STUFFED MUSHROOMS

I'm planning on moving this blog to wordpress in the near future. Not that you really care, I just thought I'd pass that info along.

I'm also going to post the recipes that we publish in the sampler here. One a day hopefully until I've exhausted that supply. It just makes things a little easier on me.

Selfish, aren't I?

CHEESE-STUFFED MUSHROOMS
  • 2 pints fresh mushrooms (may use canned broiled mushroom crowns, drained. 2 - 6 oz. cans)
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped onions
  • 1 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup finely chopped salami
  • 1 Tbsp. catsup
  • ¼ cup smoke-flavored cheese spread
  • fine soft bread crumbs


Preheat oven to 425°. Wash mushrooms and trim off tips of stems. Remove stems and chop enough to make α cup. If using canned, hollow out mushroom crowns and chop enough pieces to make 3 Tbsp.

Cook pieces with onion in oil. Stir in salami, catsup, and cheese. Stuff into mushroom crowns. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake on ungreased baking sheet for 6-8 minutes or until hot.

Thanks for reading. Post a comment or something.

Editor


http://www.holyprotectioncookbook.com/

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

While I try to get the eggnog recipe....

You have to forgive me. I've been traveling and haven't been able to update regularly. By the way, it's bloody cold in Chicago.

While still trying to get pry the eggnog recipe from the source, I thought you might want to try another drink mix we really like. We tend to do our own thing in addition to the traditional ingredients. This one doesn't go too far out but it does add a lot of body. The recipe below is for one drink. It 's filling too.

Brandy Alexander
  • 0.5 oz Brandy (we like Christian Brothers)
  • 2.0 oz of whipping cream
  • 0.5 oz of Creme de Cocao
  • tablespoon or so of vanilla ice cream
  • quarter teaspoon of nutmeg

Blend. Strengthen to taste.

Thanks for sticking with me,

Editor

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Sausage Cheese Balls

It's the holidays. Duh?!

You might be entertaining and want an easy to fix, warm finger food. Give these a shot. Serve them with toothpicks....Maybe green, red and white for a more festive look.



SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
  • 2 lb. Jimmy Dean regular sausage
  • 1½ cups all-purpose baking/biscuit mix
  • 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup finely chopped onions
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder


Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix all ingredients. Form into 1" balls. Bake 15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet until golden brown. Makes about 6 dozen. Sausage cheese balls can be frozen uncooked.

I'm still working on the eggnog recipe. Its highly classified. Seriously.

Thanks.

Editor

Friday, December 16, 2005

HUMMAS YUHKNEE

There are no matching documents. That's what Google says you search the phrase.

Don't ask me why. They do ask if I mean Hummus Yukon. It could be a different spelling, but as far as I know it is spelled as I have it.

It's normally a lenten dish. It's good stuff. Hearty enough to fill you for the those no meat meals or use a smaller portoin for a side dish. It makes a good soup before a main course too.

Try it.

Leave a comment if you can locate an origin or other info.

HUMMAS YUHKNEE
  • 1 onion, chopped fine
  • 1 can drained chick peas
  • 1 eggplant, chopped
  • 2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 white potato, chopped
  • 1 sweet potato, chopped
  • 1 can tomato past
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • salt, pepper, allspice to taste


Saute onion in 2 Tbsp. of water. Add chick peas and continue cooking slowly until almost done. Add raw vegetables and tomato paste diluted with 2 cups of water. Add salt,pepper, and allspice. Simmer until tender. Usually takes about an hour.

We have a whole section in the cookbook dedicated to Lenten dishes. Click on over to www.holyprotectioncookbook.com and download our sampler version.

Thanks.

The Editor

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Little Help on Post Holiday Weight Loss

You gotta plan ahead. So I'm tossing (smile) you a recipe that's easy and tasty.

I can't help you with the name. You are on your own.

I can't do the onions though, I like them but they come back to haunt me about six hours later.


MUNGO SALAD

Salad:

  • 1 head Romaine lettuce (may add a head of iceberg)
  • 5 or 6 green onions
  • 6 to 8 slices bacon, crisped and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded Provel & Fontinella cheese combined (may substitute Provolone)

Dressing:

  • 1 packet Good Seasons Italian dried dressing mix
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. sugar

Combine salad ingredients. Mix dressing ingredients in cruet and add to salad as desired.

Just lending a hand to lighten your fork,

Editor

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Weights and Measures

I ran across some tables for various weights and measures recently. I found out some things I didn't know. Now that I know them, I think possibly the only use I will find for a couple of them are in Trivia games and crossword puzzles.

Did you know that:

LIQUID MEASURE

4 gills (gi.)........... = 1 pint................. pt.
2 pints................ = 1 quart................ qt.
4 quarts................ = 1 gallon............... gal.
31-1/2 gallons.......... = 1 barrel............... bbl.
2 barrels (63 gallons) ............ = 1 hogshead............. hhd.


DRY MEASURE

2 pints (pt.)........... = 1 quart................ qt.
8 quarts................ = 1 peck................. pk.
4 pecks................. = 1 bushel............... bu.

APPROXIMATE MEASURE OF 1 POUND OF FOOD

Beans, dried.................. 2 CUPFULS
Butter........................ 2
Coffee, whole................. 4
Corn meal..................... 3
Flour......................... 4
Milk.......................... 2
Molasses...................... 1-1/2
Meat, chopped, finely packed.. 2
Nuts, shelled................. 3
Oats, rolled.................. 4
Olive oil..................... 2-1/2
Peas, split................... 2
Raisins....................... 3
Rice.......................... 2
Sugar, brown.................. 2-2/3
Sugar, granulated............. 2
Sugar, powdered............... 2-3/4

APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF 1 TABLESPOONFUL OF FOOD

Butter........................ 1/2 OUNCE
Corn starch................... 3/8
Flour......................... 1/4
Milk.......................... 1/2
Sugar......................... 1/2

APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF 1 CUPFUL OF FOOD

Butter........................ 8 OUNCES
Corn meal..................... 5
Corn starch................... 6
Flour......................... 4
Milk.......................... 8
Molasses..................... 10
Nuts, shelled................. 4
Raisins....................... 5
Sugar......................... 8


Relative Proportions:

3 tsp. = 1 Tb.
16 Tb. = 1 c.

I'm still working on that eggnog recipe. Stay tuned.

Editor

Monday, December 12, 2005

"Here's something that will make you smile..."

Someone sent this funny story to me the other day and I thought it would make you smile so I'm sharing it with you here....besides it has something to do with cooking.

"The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies & Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours. Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a crusty old man & was considered a roll model for millions. Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes. If this made you smile for even a brief second, please rise to the occasion and take time to pass it on and share that smile with someone else who kneads it."

Back to regular programming tomorrow,

Editor

Honey Mustard Dressing

Oh Man, I can't believe I left out cole slaw for the sides to go with my all-time favorite food yesterday. I should be flogged. A good recipe for the slaw can be found here.

Onward.

A few days ago, I told you that some of the recipes in the cookbook are named after people for one reason or another. There's a honey mustard recipe in there. It's quite good and only has three ingredients.

I have another one. It's supposed to be a knock-off of a national chain's recipe for honey mustard. I'll give you the recipe as I have it. I've had it and like it and so does the individual that has his namesake in the cookbook.

If you'd like to know which chain, leave a comment or something and I'll let you know which one.

  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • a pinch of paprika
  • a pinch of salt

Combine them in bowl and whisk until well blended.

It makes about a cup.

Have a great day,

The Editor

Sunday, December 11, 2005

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

IF I had to choose my favoritest :) all time food it would be chicken and dumplings. Throw in some corn, mashed potatoes (mashed not whipped) and sausage gravy (I'll settle for milk gravy), green beans with bacon.......Man, I'm just in heaven. I'll eat till it comes out of my ears. I know, gross.

The secret is the eggs. Dumplings gotta be made with eggs.
  • 1 whole chicken, seasoned, boiled, and de-boned
  • chicken broth
  • 1 small can Milnot milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 tsp. vinegar
  • salt
  • 2 cups flour

Mix Milnot milk, egg, oil, vinegar, and salt together. Add flour. This will make a soft dough. Roll out as thin as desired. Cut into strips. Add cooked, deboned chicken to broth and bring to a boil. Drop strips of dough into broth a few at a time. Boil about 15 minutes. Do NOT stir as this will break up the dumplings.

Okay, I'm hungry now.

Editor

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Holiday Recipe

A friend sent this to me. Its making the internet rounds.
I thought it was a grinner so I'm posting it.
Thought you'd enjoy it too.

Sorta reminds me of when we make eggnog, a recipe I'll post later. The eggnog is for real though, truly.

Cuervo Cookies

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup nuts
  • 2 cups of dried fruit
  • 1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality.

Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer.

Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one teaspoon of sugar.

Beat again.

At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit, pick the frigging fruit off floor.

Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Check the Jose Cuervo.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS

Friday, December 09, 2005

Leftover Cabbage Rolls

No recipe today but I wanted to tell you something, actually it's a confirmation.

Yesterday we (the other editor) and I had to drive in a snowstorm for roughly five hours.

Ever drive in a snowstorm? It's nerve racking and it makes you tired. Tired enough not to want to cook. That, of course, is why we now have microwaves.

When I gave you the Cabbage Roll Recipe I told you that they are even better as leftovers. Remember? Well guess what, that's what we fixed after we got home.

We popped the Corningware dish in the microwave for a few minutes and dipped some rolls into bowls for each of us.

Like I said, they are even better as leftovers. Try them.

I promise, I'll do better next time.

The Editors

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

CABBAGE ROLLS

(HOLUPKE)

Today's missive is about a recipe that is in the main cookbook. It isn't in the Sampler.

Yep, today you get a glimpse of the inner sanctum.

These are just killer. We had them for dinner last night.
They (two people) rolled a hundred of these things and it took them almost three and a half hours. This recipe calls for 24, so plan accordingly.

You going to have a time investment here, but you can freeze what you don't cook for another time. And the leftovers taste better the second day. I guess the cabbage sucks up the juices, I don't know.

Listen. This isn't for amateurs. Rolling the meat mix into the cabbage is an art form. Done right, the cabbage leaf tucks back into itself and there is no need to use toothpicks. (Note: toothpicks are the telltale sign and are frowned upon. However use them if you must, until you get the hang of rolling and tucking.) Hint: Try tucking, then rolling.

Read the recipe carefully (especially the parts about the cabbage) before you begin.


Cabbage Rolls:

  • 2 large heads cabbage
  • 1 lb. bacon, chopped
  • 1 whole stalk celery chopped
  • 2 large onions chopped
  • 3 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 large can tomato sauce
  • 12 eggs
  • 1 lb. white rice (soaked in hot water and then drained)
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can tomatoes, crushed
  • some Polish sausage (if desired, pound or two should do it)

Wash and core cabbage. Immerse cabbage heads in boiling water until leaves peel away and are soft. Only cook until pliable. Do not overcook or cabbage leaves will fall apart when trying to roll. Only use the large leaves getting enough to roll at least 24 cabbage rolls. Chop the remaining cabbage to use later. After leaves are chosen for rolls, trim the middle stems with sharp knife to make them pliable to roll.

In a large skillet, fry chopped bacon, celery, and onion as long as it takes to keep the onion and celery until mushy. In a large mixing bowl, put ground chuck and large can of tomato sauce. Mix in ingredients from skillet. Add 12 eggs and drained rice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare a large roaster pan by lining it with rinsed and drained sauerkraut and 1 can of crushed tomatoes.

Begin rolling cabbage rolls. Place a small amount of meat (a large heaping tablespoon or more) into "cup" of cabbage leaf. Pull the thickest part of the leaf or the base over the meat and fold over one side of the leaf. Then continue rolling. The remaining side of leaf should be gently pushed into the end of the cabbage roll. If there is too much cabbage, trim off excess.

Place the rolls into the roaster as you make them, layering as necessary. After all rolls are prepared, place extra chopped cabbage over the rolls and cut up polish sausage if desired.

Sauce:

  • 2 large cans tomato sauce
  • ½ cup bacon drippings
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • salt and pepper

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Heat until sugar and bacon drippings are dissolved. Pour over cabbage rolls before covering to bake. Bake at 350° for 2 hours or until meat and rice is cooked.

Good luck because it is some seriously good eating,

The Editor.

Monday, December 05, 2005

The Ultimate Ceasar Salad

Be careful with this one. After you've tried it, the restaurant offerings will seem rather thin.
  • 2 medium-large heads of Romaine lettuce
  • 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 cloves of fresh garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Tarragon vinegar
  • 2 egg whites (discard yolks)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 can of anchovies, finely chopped into small pieces, oil removed
  • 1 teaspoon of capers
  • ¼ teaspoon dry English mustard
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup of garlic Caesar croutons
  • cracked pepper to taste


1. Tear Romaine lettuce heads open, discard all old leaves, rinse in sink full of cold water, tear clean, fresh leaves into small pieces, put in colander and spin to remove excess water. Set aside.

2. Use wooden salad bowl. Cut one garlic clove in half and rub inside of bowl all over with the raw garlic.

3. Measure 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into bowl.

4. Place whites of two eggs into bowl.

5. Measure 1 tablespoon of Tarragon vinegar into bowl.

6. Measure 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into bowl.

7. Chop 8 garlic cloves into finely diced pieces and add to mixture in bowl.

8. Add 1 teaspoon of capers, 1 can of diced anchovies (oil removed), ¼ teaspoon of dry English mustard.

9. Add ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce to bowl.

10. Stir the entire mixture until it is smooth.

11. Place the lettuce on top of the dressing in the bowl.

12. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and the Croutons on top of the lettuce.

13. Using salad servers, fold in the ingredients, mixing the dressing from the bottom up.

14. Serve immediately on chilled plates; add cracked pepper on top to taste. Enjoy!

Personally, I lose the anchovies and go really light on the pepper, but if that's your thing, you jump all over it.

Remember about the dining out thing and don't say I didn't warn you.

Respectfully submitted,

The Editor

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Hey Mom - Here's one for the kids.

No Bake Chocolate Cookies
  • 1 stick oleo
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup peanut butter
    3 cups quick oatmeal
  • 3 Tbsp. cocoa

Mix the oleo, sugar and milk together and bring to a boil. Stir constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add the peanut butter, oatmeal and cocoa to the hot mixture. Beat well. Drop teaspoons on waxed paper and allow to cool.

Short and easy for the weekend.

Gotta go now - we're going to check on a puppy!

Make it a great weekend,

Editor

Friday, December 02, 2005

Holy Protection Cookbook

Holy Protection Cookbook: "From: Holy Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church Cookbook Editors

Here's the short story. We have the usual problem. We need to raise funds. We need to go outside the membership. Not avalanches of cash, just enough to keep the lights on and pay the Priest.

We also needed to offer something besides the highly anticipated annual dinners of Cabbage Rolls which we offer in the spring, and the Chicken BBQ which we hold in the fall. As a really small parish in a sparsely populated area of the country, we are just scraping by. I imagine the same can be said for countless others spread throughout the world.

One of the members suggested we put together a cookbook and get donations that way. Not a bad idea.

The announcement was made and recipes collected. After a ton of work we finally had our cookbook.

And you know what? It was good. People really liked the blend of Old Country combined with the newer recipes. Peruse the complete Table of Contents. There are a total of 353 recipes if we counted them right.

When I say 'Old Country' I mean old Country as in the former eastern block countries....Russia, Yugoslavia, Poland, etc. You see, we are an Eastern Orthodox Church. More specifically Russian.

A lot of the recipes in this book were brought over with our church founders when they immigrated to the states. Most of the members are descendants of coal miners. These folks came over from the old country to make a better life for themselves and their families. Check out our HISTORY. Look at a couple of PHOTOS. Yep. One of them is the basis for the picture on the cover of the cookbook.

If you haven't figured it out yet, we're asking for donations. In return we will send you a cookbook."

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Maid-Rite Sandwich

This one ain’t Russian and it isn’t in the cookbook.

This one is a regional recipe knock-off. I ate them as a kid because I grew up around here. I’m telling you about them because they’re easy to make and just a little different. I thought I'd lend my endorsement to the world. The original recipe is kind of like the colonel - secret. We had to come up with our own approximation.

There's a story about a sheep ranching couple from New Zealand that were in the area (Iowa) for some kind of sheep ranching world convention. They befriended a local couple who took them to a nearby Maid-Rite. Well it seems the New Zealand couple enjoyed the sandwiches so much they ate there everyday until they went home. Like I said, there's a story.

The sandwiches originated in Iowa. There’s a bunch of restaurants called Maid-Rite. Or used to be anyway. Here's the original Maid-Rite. Stop in and say "Hi, I saw you on the internet."

If you've never tried it, give it a go.

Alright, on with the show. (hmmm, that rhymes)


  • 1 pound lean ground beef (I prefer chuck)
  • 1 cup water
  • quarter cup beef broth
  • quarter teaspoon salt
  • 4 plain hamburger buns (I prefer honey buns)
  • yellow mustard (I prefer spicy brown)
  • minced white onion
  • dill pickle slices

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium to low heat. Use a large spoon or a potato masher to break the meat into small pieces. Drain the grease if needed.

As soon as the pink is gone add the water, broth and salt. Now simmer uncovered until the liquid is gone. Keep stirring so as not to brown the meat. (This could take up to an hour.) If you like your onions cooked, now would be a good time.

Put about a half cup meat (if you want four sandwiches) on a bun. Slap on the mustard, pickle and onion. You have a Maid-Rite!

Notes

Serve the sandwich with a spoon. (you'll see)

In the resturant they cook on a slanted griddle so the grease drains as the meat cooks. It doesn't take an hour in the restaurant. It's just a way to make the meat tender at home.

Some people say the original recipe has coca-cola in it to make it sweet.

Some people like to pepper the meat. Some like Lawry's salt. Its up to you.

Some prefer ketchup, although its frowned upon by purists.

Some toast the bun. Others warm it up in the microwave. The restaurant browns the bun on the griddle.

Here's to local flavor,

The Editor