CHIPPED BEEF - My first experience with chipped beef was when I lived up in Oregon as a child. My Grandma D used to buy chipped beef in a jar (I think it was from Amour). I think she used to make creamed chipped beef on toast, but I honestly don't remember. I just remember the jar and the fact that as a kid, I thought the stuff inside was yummy. So whatever my Grandma D made, it must have been good.
It wasn't until I lived with my Grandma W during college that I found my favorite way to currently enjoy chipped beef. Grandma W would cook up some Stouffer's Creamed Chipped Beef, bake some Pepperidge Farms Puff Pastry Shells and then pour the beef over the shells. I still consider this prime comfort food. Of course today, it's quick to microwave the creamed beef, but back then, Microwaves weren't really around yet so you had to boil the package on the stove. Even my husband enjoys this bit of comfort every now and then. Totally reminds me of my Grandma's anytime I make it.
GRANDMA MARTHA? - When one thinks of Martha Stewart "comforting Grandma" usually doesn't come to mind. But Martha does have some soups currently for sale at your local Costco. Right now three flavors of soup are available: Classic Tomato, Hearty Minestrone and Savory Mushroom. Her bone in, lightly smoked over apple chips, ready to eat ham should be back in Costco stores now just in time for Easter. In the future additional entrees, appetizers and baked goods from Martha will also be available. To find out more about Martha's Costco foods go here. To read a review of the Classic Tomato go here (I haven't been to Costco yet to try these out but yes, I will soon and I'll try all three).
FROZEN FOODS - These days, to watch calories and sodium, I tend to eat food that is fresh. But growing up when watching ones weight wasn't an issue, I loved Stouffer's frozen foods (pretty much all kinds), Swanson's Fried Chicken dinners and Morton's Mac and Cheese. Why all this frozen food talk? Because it's National Frozen Food Day...which is a perfect excuse to not cook tonight!
I just came back from taking the candy bar test (14 of 20) and this picture was staring at me! Looks so good! I don't remember Grandma D ever making chipped beef, but I wish I did! I will have to try this, looks like comfort in a meal!
Posted by: Shannon | March 06, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Well, Rene we certainly had this at home. In fact for lunch today I had chipped beef (microwave) over rice. I like it over biscuit better than toast. The military has a nickname for it - SOS! I will let you folks figure it out.
Posted by: Mom | March 06, 2008 at 05:11 PM
I just tried the Minestrone, and I think it tastes better if you put some of the Martha tomato soup into it. The tomato soup is pretty tasty and I've been eating quite a bit of it.
Thanks for the link :-)
Posted by: Stephanie Quilao | March 06, 2008 at 06:15 PM
my buddies and i used to plan our schedules around chipped-beef-gravy day in the cafeteria. there's no rhyme or reason for the supreme deliciousness of something out of a box or jar, but i can't resist it. to this day, if i see it on a diner menu, i have to have it. and that picture? talk about your food porn. dang.
Posted by: a. grace | March 07, 2008 at 02:35 AM
man, this post brings back memories. that yummy little jar of armor chipped beef is the reason i learned how to make a white sauce. i love cream chipped beef. and yes, my family called it SOS too.
Posted by: barbie2be | March 07, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I've never had chipped beef, and don't think its on my short list of things to try, but Guy Fieri loved this stuff recently on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_dv/episode/0,,FOOD_29156_54832,00.html
Posted by: Louise | March 08, 2008 at 09:54 PM
We eat Stouffer's Cream Chipped Beef often but never thought to use Puff Pastry Shells. I'm gonna try it. Thanks for the suggestion. :)
Posted by: Jeanette | March 12, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Shannon - I remember Grandma D making this when I was six or seven so it was many many years ago.
Mom - SOS - Shit on a Shingle!
Stephanie - I am determined to get to Costco soon to try Marthas soups.
a.grace - I'm not sure I would have guts to eat the stuff from a school cafeteria.
Babrie - Glad I could bring back some memories.
Louise and Jeanette - You guys must try this!
Posted by: Mrs. L | March 19, 2008 at 09:15 PM