BETTINA'S FIRST REAL DINNER
"SAY, isn't it great to be alive!" exclaimed Bob, as he looked across
the rose-decked table at the flushed but happy Bettina. "And a beefsteak
dinner, too!"
"Steak is expensive, dear, and you'll not get it often, but as this is
our first real dinner in our own home, I had to celebrate. I bought
enough for two meals, because buying steak for one meal for two people
is beyond any modest purse! So you'll meet that steak again tomorrow,
but I don't believe that you'll bow in recognition!"
"So you marketed today, did you?"
"Indeed I did! I bought a big basket, and went at it like a seasoned
housekeeper. I had all the staples to get, you know, and lots of other
things. After dinner I'll show you the labelled glass jars on my
shelves; it was such fun putting things away! June is a wonderful month
for housekeepers. I've planned the meals for days ahead, because I know
that's best. Then I'll go to the market several times a week, and if I
plan properly I won't have to order by telephone. It seems so
extravagant to buy in that way unless you know exactly what you are
getting. I like to plan for left-overs, too. For instance, the peas in
this salad were left from yesterday's dinner, and the pimento is from
that can I opened. Then, too, I cooked tomorrow's potatoes with these to
save gas and bother. You'll have them served in a different way, of
course. And---- Oh, yes, Bob," Bettina chattered on, "I saw Ruth down
town, and have asked all five of my bridesmaids to luncheon day after
tomorrow. Won't that be fun? But I promise you that the neglected groom
shall have every one of the good things when he comes home at night!"
"It makes me feel happy, I can tell you, to have a home like this. It's
pleasant to be by ourselves, but at the same time I can't help wishing
that some of the bachelors I know could see it all and taste your
cooking!"
"Well, Bob, I want you to feel free to have a guest at any time. If my
dinners are good enough for you, I'm sure they're good enough for any
guest whom you may bring. And it isn't very hard to make a meal for
three out of a meal for two. Now, Bobby, if you're ready, will you
please get the dessert?"
"What? Strawberry shortcake? Well, this is living! I tell you what,
Bettina, I call this a regular man-size meal!"
It consisted of:
Pan-Broiled Steak New Potatoes in Cream
Baking-Powder Biscuits Butter
Rhubarb Sauce Pea and Celery Salad
Strawberry Shortcake Cream
Coffee
BETTINA'S RECIPES
(All measurements are level)
=Pan-Broiled Steak= (Two portions)
1 lb. steak
1 T-butter
1 t-salt
1/8 t-pepper
2 T-hot water
1 t-parsley chopped
Wipe the meat carefully with a wet cloth. Remove superfluous fat and any
gristle. Cut the edges to prevent them from curling up. When the
broiling oven is very hot, place the meat, without any fat, upon a hot
flat pan, directly under the blaze. Brown both sides very quickly. Turn
often. Reduce heat and continue cooking about seven minutes, or longer
if desired. Place on a warm platter; season with salt, pepper and bits
of butter. Set in the oven a moment to melt the butter. If salt is added
while cooking, the juices will be drawn out. A gravy may be made by
adding hot water, butter, salt, pepper and parsley to the pan. Pour the
gravy over the steak.
=New Potatoes in Cream= (Two portions)
4 new potatoes
1 qt. water
1 t-salt
Scrape four medium sized new potatoes. Cook in boiling water (salted)
until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain off the water, and shake
the kettle over the fire gently, to allow the steam to escape and make
the potatoes mealy. Make the following white sauce and pour over the
potatoes.
=White Sauce for New Potatoes= (Two portions)
2 T-butter
2 T-flour
1 C-milk
1/2 t-salt
1/4 t-paprika
Melt the butter, add the flour, salt and paprika. Thoroughly mix, slowly
add milk, stirring constantly. Allow sauce to cook two minutes.
=Strawberry Shortcake= (Two portions)
2 T-lard
1 T-butter
2 C-sifted flour
3/4 C-milk
1/3 t-salt
4 t-baking powder
1 qt. strawberries
2/3 C-sugar
Cut the fat into the flour, salt and baking powder until the consistency
of cornmeal. Gradually add the milk, using a knife to mix. Do not handle
any more than absolutely necessary. Toss the dough upon a floured board
or a piece of clean brown paper. Pat into the desired shape, and place
in a pan. Bake in a hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Split, spread with
butter, and place strawberries, crushed and sweetened, between and on
top. Serve with cream.