  MILDRED'S SPRING VACATION Woman reading cookbook, girl watching "I WAS so afraid Father wouldn't let me come, Aunt Bettina!" exclaimed Mildred, after the first greetings. "And your letter sounded so jolly—about the cooking and all—well, if Father had said 'no' I should simply have died." "Died, Mildred?" asked Bob. "I must say you look fairly healthy to me, too much so to pine away soon!" "I don't intend to die now, Uncle Bob! I'm going to live and have the most fun helping Aunt Bettina! I like that so much better than lessons. I brought two aprons in my suit case; Mother said I acted as if I wouldn't meet anybody in a three day visit but your kitchen stove. And to tell the truth, Aunt Bettina, I just hope I won't! I'd rather help you cook than see sights or meet people." "Oh, dear!" exclaimed Bob tragically. "Just when I was counting on you to climb to the dome of the capitol with me, too! Why was I ever born?" "You'll have to do your climbing alone, I'm afraid," Mildred replied cheerfully. "Now, Aunt Bettina, may I set the table for you? Do show me what you are going to have for dinner! Little custards? Oh, how cunning! Made in moulds and served cold with maple syrup? Aunt The dinner consisted of: BETTINA'S RECIPES (All measurements are level) Round Steak En Casserole (Three portions) 1 lb. round steak, cut one inch thick ½ C-flour 1 T-onion, cut fine 2 T-green pepper, cut fine 1 C-diced carrots 2 C-water 2 t-salt Place the meat, which has been wiped with a damp cloth, upon a meat board. Cut into four pieces. Pound the flour into the meat on both sides, using a meat pounder or the side of a heavy saucer. Butter the casserole, add a layer of meat, then onions and green peppers. Add the carrots. Add the salt to the water and pour over the meat. Cover closely. Place in a moderate oven and allow to cook slowly for two hours. More water may be needed before the meat is done. Serve in the casserole. Lettuce Salad (Three portions) 6 pieces of lettuce ½ t-salt Arrange the lettuce, which has been washed and chilled, upon three plates. Sprinkle the lettuce with salt and serve with the following dressing: Bettina Dressing 2/3 C-salad dressing 1 t-olive oil 2 T-chopped pickle 1 T-chopped pimento 1 T-pimento catsup ¼ C-celery, cut fine 2 T-nut meats, cut fine ¼ t-salt ¼ t-paprika Beat the salad dressing, add the oil, pickle, pimento, catsup, celery, nut meats, salt and paprika. Beat one minute. Pour three tablespoons of the mixture over each portion of the lettuce. Serve very cold. Steamed Custard (Four custards) 1½ C-milk 2 eggs 3 T-sugar ¼ t-salt ¼ t-vanilla extract ¼ t-lemon extract 1/8 t-grated nutmeg Beat the eggs, add the sugar, salt, vanilla, and lemon extract. Mix thoroughly. Butter four custard cups. Fill a pan four inches deep with hot (not boiling) water. Set the cups in the pan and place in a moderately slow oven for thirty-five or forty minutes (or until a knife inserted in the custard comes out clean). Serve cold with maple syrup poured over it. |
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