By Staff
Everything old is new again, and I'm looking forward to a special treat courtesy of the Brewton Civic League.
Just ask my husband or visit my pantry you'll know how much I love cookbooks - and the older the book, the better I like it.
Right now, among the nearly 100 books I have in my collection, are old books including “The Joy of Cooking,” two different editions of “Calling All Cooks,” a Farmer's Federation cookbook and even some cookbooks from several state fair contests. All of the books I mentioned are 30 years old or older and are very worn and loved at my house.
What I'm really excited about is the Civic League's decision to reprint a popular cookbook put together by members of the club 25 years ago.
When the cookbook was originally published, it was a good seller and the reprints are sure to be a hit - just in time for holiday gift giving.
I've decided to print a few of the recipes found in the book that might make good Thanksgiving side dishes. If you're interested in checking the book out for yourself, you will have an opportunity next week.
The Civic League will have a mini-tasting and cookbook viewing Thursday, Nov. 20, during the Christmas Downtown event from 5 to 8 p.m.
Susan Krehbiel, co-chairperson of the club's Ways and Means Committee, said the group will be stationed in front of The Hourglass for the event.
The cookbook is an exact copy of the original book published in 1983 by the club, Krehbiel said.
The cookbooks will be available for $20 each until January when the price will increase to $25.
Now for a recipe or two from the book. I've included a recipe for what sounds like an easy and delicious squash casserole. This one is one printed in the book from Mrs. Wayne (Wilodyne) Frazier.
Squash Casserole II
2 small packages frozen squash
2 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
1 chopped onion
1/2 stick of butter, melted
1 cup grated cheese
Boil, drain and mash squash. Stir I other ingredients in order listed, except cheese. Bake at 350 degrees about 20 minutes. Put grated cheese on top and run in oven briefly to melt cheese.
If you're looking for another recipe that would be great for Thanksgiving, this one is sure to be a winner. The recipe is from Mrs. Albert (Lucy) Lewis.
Candied Sweets
6 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled
3/4 c up brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup tiny marshmallows.
Cut potatoes in 1/2-inch slices. Place a layer in bottom of a butter one and a half quart casserole. Sprinkle with brown sugar and salt; dot with butter. Continue layers till all ingredients are used, ending with sugar and butter. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees about 30 minutes or till glazed. Add marshmallows last 5 minutes to melt, brown lightly. Serves 6.
Finally, this last recipe is one I found in the pages of the book that you probably won't find in any other cookbook. The recipe for a squirrel dish was submitted by Sybil Mitchell. I challenge you to find such a recipe anywhere.
Squirrel D'Ete
4 squirrels
lemon juice
flour
1 pt. cream
salt and pepper to taste.
Cut squirrels into serving pieces. Sprinkle with lemon juice and place in bowl. Refrigerate overnight. Wipe with a damp cloth and rub in salt and pepper. Dredge with flour and fry in small amount of fat in a skillet for about 40 minutes or until brown. Place in a casserole and add cream. Bake 20 minutes for 425 degrees. Six servings.
These are just a small sampling of the wonderful recipes you'll find in the book that will make this a keepsake for many years to come.
I hope you get a chance to get your copy of this wonderful cookbook. The recipes are plentiful and the dishes are sure to be pleasing to any southern palate.
Until next week, happy cooking!