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

Cheese, Potato and Onion Pie

 You know... the best thing about keeping chickens.. 

apart from the conversation.. 

is having fresh eggs every day

But you would think that with all the room in the hen house... 

Poppy and Rosie wouldn't fight over the same laying box....

On my breakfast tray this morning... 

Scrambled Egg on National Loaf toast...

with a slice of bacon...

So dinner tonight was...I dont think a typical 1940s recipe... although my grandmother, mother and I have made it for years.. with differing quantities of ingredients. I was reminded of it when watching one of my favourite channels Rebecca at Railway Cottage and right now she is doing a Ration Challenge. And like Rebecca this dish brings so many childhood memories

So tonight Cheese, Potato and Onion Pie.. served with sausages.. was on the menu. This time Im used the recipe she showed..although I'm not sure what book its from. It features a mashed potato and breadcrumb crust and a caramalized onion filling...

As it was a spur of the moment dinner, I only had two tomatoes.. and had no parmesan so I used cheddar but still it was easy to make and absolutely delicious. Thank you dear Rebecca!

2lb potatoes, peeled and quartered.
12oz  onions, peeled and sliced.
6oz mature Cheddar cheese, diced or grated.
3oz butter
2–3 Tablespoons milk
1/2–1 level teaspoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon caster sugar 

4 sliced tomatoes

1/2 oz dry white breadcrumbs

1/2 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Recipe from the Book

• Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water until cooked, 
• Drain well and mash with 2oz of the butter and the milk. 
• Season and mix in the Cheddar cheese.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). 
• Melt the remaining butter in a frying pan
• Add the onions and cook over a moderate heat for to minutes. 
• Stir in the thyme and sugar and continue cooking until golden brown and caramelised.
• Spread half the mashed potato in the bottom of a pie dish or ovenproof dish. 
• Spread the onions on top, then cover with the remaining potato. 
• Arrange the tomato slices on top 
• Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and cheese.
• Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and piping hot. 

Whipped Carrots and Onions

 Happy Monday Lovelies

It’s a chilly start to the week.. so on my breakfast tray today was a warming.. comforting bowl of oatmeal.. no sugar but sweetened with a spoonful of last summer’s strawberry jam. My dad used to put salt on his porridge.. I’m not that desperate!!

It was laundry day again...and as I was hanging out the washing on the line...I saw something a bit unsual..

On investigating... I found this little chap popping his head in and out of his burrow. Gophers have found the Little Blue House!! I love all Gods creatures.. except spiders... but if he reaches the Victory Garden.. there may be trouble!

Last nights dinner was Turkey Nests..using some leftover turkey from the freezer.One of our favourite side dishes is Whipped Carrots and Onions from the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine December 1940.  

Its very simple three ingredient recipe and although I love the taste of fresh carrots.. this dish just elevates the flavour slightly ... and makes a bit of a change.

3 cups sliced carrots
2 tablespoons cream
1 cup sliced onions
2 tablespoons butter 

1½ teaspoon salt

• Cook carrots and onions in boiling salted water until tender.
• Drain and mash; add cream, butter, and salt; 
• Beat until smooth. 

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
December 1940