Ham Pineapple Roll Ups BHG May 1942

 

Shown here with Creamed Potatoes in Shells, Glazed Carrots
and a salad of sliced tomatoes, cauliflowerets and a cucumber fan

Pork on Skewers

As soon as MrD left for work this morning, I jumped straight in the shower,  got myself ready for the day and got my morning started bright and early. I was on a race to beat the heat. The first thing I did was make the dough for this weeks baking of bread. 

I wanted them out of the oven by 10.30 am.... and I succeeded.. if a few minutes late!

The only good thing about 105° weather.. is that it dries the laundry incredibly fast. This heat reminds me that deep down I am still a Country girl from Wales... and Im still not used to Southern California temperatures

Today was also our grandsons eighth birthday. Where have the years gone. He's such a kind, loving boy... but with a wicked sense of humour..just like his daddy had at the same age. He loves his cat Meow Meows with all his heart even though they fight like crazy. He's going to be an excellent big brother when the new baby arrives at Christmas

Dinner tonight was Pork Skewers from the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, March 1942. They were really nice.. very easy to make, cooked \ to perfection and with a lovely earthy flavour from the spices. 

Original Magazine Illustration

I made no changes to the recipe... and served them on a bed of Vegetable Fried Rice. MrD thoroughly enjoyed them.. even though he couldn't quite describe the flavour!

2 pounds pork shoulder, cut in 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 tablespoons ground coriander

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 cup minced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Original Magazine Clipping

• Make a paste of coriander, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. 
• Add lemon juice, sugar, soya sauce, and cayenne; blend well. 
• Rub spice mixture over meat; let stand 1 hour. 
• Place four cubes on each skewer. 
• Bake in moderate oven (350°) 30 to 40 minutes. 
• Stick radishes on skewer ends (optional)

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine 
March 1942

Denver Sandwiches

My goodness it was hot today... there seemed to be no air in church this morning

MrD and I forwent our stroll home and travelled in the car.. We have done well recently saving our gas, Im sure just one day wont harm...will it? We were home pretty quick and spent the rest of the day just relaxing by the radio... knitting for me and reading for MrD... with the same meal for lunch and dinner.,, cold cuts, cheese, crusty bread and lovely salad from our garden. I guess summer has finally arrived in Southern California

 Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) Moonlight Serenade 

Featuring Skip Nelson; Tex Beneke; Harry Bruff (Announcer); 

The Modernaires; Glenn Miller and His Orchestra

July 26, 1942

So...Sunday breakfast was from The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens, 1942. These  Denver Sandwiches were so easy to make.. eggs, onions and green pepper, everything fresh from our Victory Garden. 

The egg mix was firm and sliceable.. and reminded me of a fritata. I made them as directed.. but would be lovely with added mushrooms or tomatoes... a bit of ham and a sprinkle of cheese. The variations are endless.

Oh and I sliced it into four instead of five... it filled us more..

5 eggs
2 Tbsp chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
salt and pepper to taste
10 slices buttered bread or toast 

• Beat eggs and mix with onion and pepper. 
• Butter a 9 or 10 inch skillet and cook eggs over low heat until firm.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cut into 5 pieces. 
• Put pieces between bread or toast. 
• Makes 5 servings.

The Modern Family Cookbook
by Meta Givens 1942

Carne Deshebrada (Shredded Skirt Steak)

My goodness it was a hot day today. Temperatures reached 100.. again

I started my housework before sun..up and the ironing was finished by breakfast. I made quick  work of cleaning the living room so by this afternoon I could sit by the fan and do my knitting.

Old English Furniture Polish Ad
1942

Our old coffee table needed a bit of tlc as its quite old... so I thought I would try Old English Scratch Removing Polish.. and I must say it worked a treat. It had a lovely smell too. I think I will keep in my cleaning basket

Housework done I nipped out into the garden and picked a lovely fresh bell pepper for tonight's dinner

Dinner was another simple yet tasty recipe from "Elena's Famous Mexican and Spanish Recipes" and although the name didn't sound Mexican/Spanish had a lovely warm flavour... and was perfect on our corn tortillas

The only changes I made is that I swapped out the skirt steak (which is quite expensive right now) to the cheaper Flap Meat... and added some Chile powder. I also added the suggested green chilles and it was delicious.

1 Large skirt steak

1 onion, chopped
2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 green (or red) bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon chile powder (optional)
fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 clove garlic
1 small can chopped green chiles

Salt and Pepper to taste

Original Recipe from the Book

• Cut the steak into several pieces and broil just until medium rare. 
• Cool, then shred with a fork and a sharp knife.
• Fry the chopped onions in a little oil until tender. 
• Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, chile powder, cilantro, garlic, chiles, the shredded meat, and about 1/2 cup water. 
• Salt and pepper to taste. 
• Simmer about a half hour, adding a bit more water if needed to keep the mixture moist. 
• Serve wrapped in tortillas with cheese and salsa

Elena's Famous Mexican and Spanish Recipes

by Elena Zelayeta 1944