Over the years I’ve mused about what my birthday party menu would offer to guests, and I’ve noticed in my memory, that the menu constantly changes.
Is that because I’ve thrown off childish things and am now more mature in my tastes?
Whatever the reason, I have a few thoughts this week on what my birthday menu would contain — if only I didn’t have to prepare it myself.
• • •
Mom’s 24 Hour Salad
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup pineapple or fruit cocktail liquid
1 cup whipped cream
64 mini marshmallows, plain or coloured
20-oz. can cubed pineapple chunks or fruit cocktail
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, optional
1/4 cups halved maraschino cherries
In large saucepan, beat eggs slightly. Add sugar, flour and liquid. Whisk and cook slowly until mixture is thick. Remove from heat and put egg mixture into a large bowl.
Fold in whipped cream and as many marshmallows as bowl can contain. Add pineapple or fruit cocktail. Stir in walnuts, if using, and cherries. Stir one last time. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours. Garnish with more sliced cherries. This may be used as a salad or dessert, with the bithday cake.
• • •
Pineapple Pork Chops
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsps. paprika
8-10 pork chops, bone in
butter for frying
Sauce:
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tbsps. or more brown sugar
2 tbsps. vinegar
Mix the flour and spices together then dredge the pork chops on both sides. Fry until both sides are brown in a large frying pan with an ample amount of butter.
Butter a large casserole dish. Place pork chops in the dish.
Mix the juice, sugar and vinegar and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Pour over the pork chops. Cover the casserole and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until chops are very tender. Note: sauce ingredients may be doubled for more coverage or if using more pork chops.
Serve with riced potatoes or rice.
• • •
Mom’s Chocolate Cake
1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour milk
2 tbsps. cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
dash of salt
2 tsps. baking soda, dissolved in
2/3 cup boiling water
In a large bowl mix ingredients in order given, beginning with butter and ending with soda. Stir and mix well after each addition.
Pour batter into greased and floured 9x13 inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees F until toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake.
Cool and then frost with a cream cheese icing or other favourite topping.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
