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Now THAT'SA TASTY MEAL!

Now THAT'SA TASTY MEAL!
You can do it just right too!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

FUEL FOR THE TROOPS

While scrambling to feed the family, we forget that our family isn't the only hungry bunch on the block...do you ever wonder about those who defend our freedom?
The military troops must be fed as well. Usually, when we hear the word "troops" we picture fighting, and explosions...but how do they fuel themselves with the strength that they need to withstand war? Who does that? what do they eat? How does the food get to them?

I will have stories about today's Military Mess Halls-but while searching,I stumbled upon Bob Hersey's K Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment site. He answered most of my questions about military dining experiences.
http://www.ktroop.com/messhall.htm

He is also featured here:
http://www.seabeecook.com/cooks/

Bob Hersey's stories put me right in the mess hall with him and his connoisseurs, even though it was years and years ago-during the Vietnam War. Bob's cooking experiences, (from the time he was 12 years old!), warmed my heart, made me laugh, and brought tears to my eyes. To my delight, I found a useful recipe! Large quantities, yes. But it won't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to down-size the portion.
The longer it cooks, the better it is:

My Not So Famous "S-O-S"
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"Shucks-On-A-Shingle" - you translate. Every GI since Hannibal crossed the Alps has eaten or at least encountered SOS. It is best described as a plate of mouse droppings in wallpaper paste served over burnt toast. It's actually quite good (but remember I lost my taste buds in the war).

Start with 10 pounds of ground beef (hamburger). The fatty kind is best. Brown the beef in a large saucepan with salt, pepper, finely chopped onions and a splash or two of Worcestershire sauce. This next ingredient isn't in any of the Army's cookbooks but I always added a generous portion of cooking sherry. If I didn't have sherry I would add cognac. Once browned, add a cup of water, a cup of whole milk and bring to a boil. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of bread flour. This thickens the mixture. Lower the heat and cook slowly for about 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick add more milk. If it's too thin add more flour. Hint: It's best if the final product is a little on the "thin" side because as it sits in your mermite can, it will thicken up. Serve over toast or better yet, hot biscuits. Any leftovers may be used as brick mortar by the engineers.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Live, Love, Laugh

"Live, Love, Laugh!" This is always my theme when feeding my family. We may not always get along, or agree with each other-but the one thing that I insist upon, is that everyone enjoy the meal.

This year, for Thanksgiving, we were blessed by several generous people who brought food, made dishes, and came to share it with us. While we had our meal at 7 p.m. here at the house, we began the day of feasting at 11:30 a.m.-at a little Pub up the road who puts on a free meal each year. We played pool, met new people, and hung out and laughed with old friends.
Then, we moved on to the next pub-which is a large, new log building...this dinner was fancier and more hushed-even candle-lit...but not as much fun-however, the food was unreal!

Back at home-we forgot how long the potatoes take...it was ok, by the time they were ready, we really did have an appetite again.
Three hams, a huge turkey, tons of sides and pies...
Caos, noise, loading of the plates...talking with full mouths and going back for seconds...loading pans to send home with guests.

I looked around me and gave thanks for my crazy, loud and noisy life :)

A HISTORICAL FACT

Mess hall dining dates back to the beginning of time- when everyone gathered around a fire to eat the latest kill.