Woman's Home Companion Cook Book & Today's Max Your Menu

Since I just read that the theme for Works for Me Wednesdays is What Doesn't Work for me, you must know that cooking in general doesn't work for me and I am on a quest for more organized, frugal and cleverly prepared meals, and thus the following post:

This last week, I was browsing in an antique store and came across the 1945 printing of the Woman's Home Companion Cookbook, with the page on pancakes clearly stained from repeated use during recipe making.

Here is what an entry in the front of the book reads:

WARTIME POSTSCRIPT

"As this edition goes to press our country is still at war. Rationing is in force and shortages of many foods have developed. In a fine spirit of patriotism American homemakers have adapted themselves to the changes. Their minds are open to new ideas: foods they have never served before are now appearing on their tables. So, though you may have to wait until the war is over to try some of the recipes in this book, there are literally hundreds which will add interest and novelty to your wartime menus. If, for example, you haven't enough sugar to make Fruit Torte, there's a delicious Cabinet Pudding using only two tablespoons of that precious ingredient; if you can't obtain a sirloin steak, there's an appetite-teasing T-bone Steak, Family Style; if your busy schedule doesn't allow time to make yeast-raised orange bread, there's a quick one that uses baking powder.

Refer to the chapter on nutrition often. It will tell you how to plan means that will keep your family in top health. A healthy nation is the best contribution our homes can make to our war effort."

BUT, my favorite page is how to have a dinner party without a maid! How great is that. I demand a reprint. I LOVE this gem and will have to bring you some recipes and more tips as I try them.

This Thursday, I will be starting a weekly post called "Max Your Menu" where I would love your input into what you have done with a particular meat to make it stretch your budget. For example, this week, let's say ground beef is the theme of choice. Tonight I browned 4.5 pounds of ground beef. I separated out 1.5 lbs and made Sloppy Joes (or the meat & canned sauce mixture on hamburger buns). Tomorrow I hope to make tacos and we'll see about the next night.

How do YOU make leftovers stretch into new and creative ideas through the week? Leave your comments here and I'll post them on Thursday. In fact, maybe by then, I learn how to do linkies so you can post your own menu stretching recipes and link them in!

Thanks!

Comments

[Sister Honey Bunch]

One of my favorite things is to have a rotisserie chicken for dinner one night, then take the chicken left over and make a Pampered Chef recipe.

Get a pie crust.

Cover the bottom and sides of the crust with cheese.

Mix the chicken with barbecue sauce and green onions and pour on top of the cheese.

Little cheese on top.

Bake. Add a bit of sour cream. YUM!