  BETTINA PLANS AN ANNOUNCEMENT LUNCHEON "AND so I thought, if you were willing, I would have the luncheon the last of this week," said Bettina to Alice one sultry afternoon which they were spending on Bettina's porch. "That's dear of you, Bettina. Oh, how queer it will seem to have everyone know about it! You must let me help with the luncheon, of course." "No, indeed, Alice! Ruth and I are going to do it all alone, and the guest of honor is not to lift a finger! You can advise us, of course, but you mustn't arrive that day till everything is ready. I want to tell you about a few plans I've made. I wish I could consult Harry, too." "But he won't be at the announcement party!" "No, but he's the leading man in the drama, and important even when off the stage. Let's telephone him to come here to dinner tonight. It is so warm that I have planned only a lunch, but we can set the porch table and have a jolly informal time. Do call him up, Alice." "I'd love to, of course, if you really want us." "Indeed I do, but we'll have to hurry, for it's after five now." "I'll help you," said Alice, after Harry had given his hearty acceptance. "Let me fix the salad." "All right, and I'll stir up some little tea cakes. It's better not to cut those beets too small, Alice; it makes them soft. "It will be a festive little meal. What else can I do while you're baking the tea cakes?" "You can make the iced tea, Alice. You do everything so easily and deftly that I love to watch you. And you have never cooked at all until lately, have you?" "No, but I really like it. Wouldn't it be a joke if I should become very domestic?" "Well, your fate is pointing in that direction! Time is swiftly passing, and in a few short weeks—Alice, shall I call off the announcement luncheon?" "Oh, no, no, Bettina! Let fate do her worst! I'm resigned." Supper that night consisted of: BETTINA'S RECIPES (All measurements are level) Beet Salad (Four portions) 1 C-cold boiled beets cut in ½-inch cubes 1/3 C-cold boiled potatoes, cubed 1/3 C-diced celery 1 hard-cooked egg, diced 1/3 C-diced cucumber ½ t-salt ½ C-salad dressing Mix the beets, potatoes, celery, egg, cucumber and salt very lightly together with a fork. Mix with salad dressing. Serve in a bowl garnished with nasturtium leaves and flowers. "Lightning" Tea Cakes (Twelve cakes) 1½ C-flour ¾ C-granulated or powdered sugar 2 t-baking powder 1/3 t-salt 3 T-butter (melted) 1 egg ½ C-milk ½ t-vanilla Sift and mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a "well" in the center of the mixture and pour in the melted butter, egg, milk and vanilla. Stir all together and beat vigorously for two minutes. Fill well buttered muffin pans half full of the mixture and bake fifteen minutes in a moderate oven. |
|
