March, 2008

  1. Eggs A La Atlanta

    March 22, 2008 by Tarrant Figlio

    If you are looking for a lovely brunch egg dish…particularly one in a nest…this is the one to try. Use a nice sharp cheddar cheese. Maybe a shade more brandy and half and half in place of the evaporated milk. (though evaporated milk can be a healthier, richer choice for this dish) You can get away with less cheese and go with toast if you don’t want to fuss with croutons, but the croutons make a nice festive nest for the dish.

    Eggs a la Atlanta

    4 poached eggs
    2 cups buttered, toasted croûtons
    1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
    1 cup Brandied cream sauce

    Poach eggs and place in a nest of toasted croûtons. Top with grated cheddar cheese and brandied cream sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and sprig of parsley.

    Brandied Cream Sauce
    2 Tablespoons butter, melted
    2 tablespoons flour
    3/4 cup evaporated milk, heated
    1/4 cup chicken broth, heated
    2 tablespoons brandy
    salt
    Melt butter, stir in flour, cooking until bubbly. Gradually add heated evaporated milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Add brandy and season to taste.

    ~Mrs Harry G. Haisten, Jr.
    Atlanta Cooks For Company, 1968


  2. Have a Gay Easter

    March 21, 2008 by Tarrant Figlio

    Why yes, I did snicker like a child when I saw it. Of course, I might should borrow some cocks from nuthinfancy in order to have such a setting this Easter.

    Gay Easter Setting

    Also from the 1959 Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Cook Book


  3. Appetizer Ham Ball

    March 21, 2008 by Tarrant Figlio

    This retro appetizer from the 1959 Better Homes and Gardens Holiday cookbook is a wonderful 50s creation for when a cheese ball just isn’t enough. I must warn you this is one of those creepy looking 50s appetizers with a cream cheese “frosting” on the outside of the ham ball.

    Interestingly, deviled ham is one of the tastes of spring for me. My mother often made egg salad with it for Easter lunch or the day after Easter.

    Appetizer Ham Ball

    2 4 1/2-ounce cans deviled ham
    3 tablespoons chopped stuffed green olives
    1 tablespoon prepared mustard
    Tabasco sauce to taste
    1 3-oz package cream cheese, softened
    2 teaspoons milk

    Blend deviled ham, olives, mustard, and Tabasco. Form in ball on serving dish. Chill.  Combine cream cheese and milk, and frost ball with mixture. Keep chilled; remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving time. Trim with parsley. Makes about 1 cup.


  4. Cheese Bread

    March 20, 2008 by Tarrant Figlio

    Because sometimes you just want a super easy savory quick bread for dinner.  Truly, what could be better than cheese bread?

    2 eggs, slightly beaten
    3 cups milk
    7 1/2 cups Bisquick
    1 1/2 cups sharp cheese, grated

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two loaf pans WELL. Blend together eggs and milk. Stir in Bisquick and cheese. Blend well, but don’t give in to over-beating it. Pour into loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.