Lunch Lady Land

I know it is not “cool” to be a fan of the lunch room. I have very fond memories of growing up walking to Ranch Heights Elementary in Bartlesville, OK. I would set out across the street early before the bell rang so I could sit and watch Ms. June and Ms. Connie. They would lift large bags of flour, cut pounds of butter into tiny pats for our daily warm rolls and make salads with homemade dressing. Nothing would make me happier than to say that my own children are growing up with fresh homemade meals for their lunch. Well that is not the case…When asking my daughter what she had for lunch on Friday she informed me it was a pre-frozen peanut and butter sandwich. What the heck?
I then had the privilege to serve pizza at the school carnival and got a much closer look my school kitchen. It consisted of about 4 refrigerators, a convection oven and a large stand mixer. There is really no work space for “cooking” and little to no area to prepare homemade meals. I have to say this makes me sad. I am the well rounded cook today because of many people. However, Ms. Connie and Ms. June are definitely a part of my history. Here are 2 of my favorites that they would make.

Beefy Goulash

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 cup sugar

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon vanilla

2 teaspoon vinegar

10 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cup cold water

Powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, soda and salt. Make three wells in the flour mixture. In one put vanilla; in another the vinegar, and in the third the oil. Pour the cold water over the mixture and stir until moistened. Pour into 13 x 18-inch pan. Bake at 350°F. oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it springs back when touched lightly. Using a fine sifter shaker powdered sugar over the top.