In the mid 1950s, the electric frying pan was still something to be looked at with a skeptic’s eye, but manufacturers prevailed and soon, according to research, this new gadget was a welcome addition to many kitchens.
The folks at Westinghouse touted the controlled heat of the electric fry pan as the “newest way to cook . . . assures accurately controlled heat, cooking food to perfection . . . without watching.”
This week’s recipes come from a Westinghouse brochure that likely was included with the purchase of an electric frying pan.
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Southern Fried Chicken
1 cup shortening
1 chicken fryer, cut in pieces
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Preheat fry pan to 375 degrees F. Add shortening and preheat. Dry chicken thoroughly. Roll in flour, salt and pepper that has been mixed together. Place in hot fat.
Fry on each side to desired browness. Cover. Reset control dial to 300 degrees. Continue cooking until chicken is crisp and well done.
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Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy
4 tbsps. shortening
4 pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 cans mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
Preheat fry pan to 350 degrees F. Add shortening. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and dredge with flour. Place into preheated shortening and brown on both sides. Place browned chops in inverted cover and drain fat out of pan.
Add mushroom soup and water and stir. Return chops to pan. Cover. Turn control dial to simmer. Cook 40 minutes or until chops are tender.
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Fry Pan Cookies
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 cup dates, cut fine
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 cup sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup shortening
2 tsps. nutmeg
In measuring cup combine egg, milk and dates. Set aside.
Into large bowl sift together flour, sugar, nutmeg, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add shortening and blend as for pie crust.
Pour liquid over ingredients and mix thoroughly. Shape into two rolls that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper. Chill then slice into 1/4 inch pieces.
To cook, preheat fry pan at 350 degrees. Place 12 cookies in pan and cover. Bake 5-6 minutes on first side. Wait until golden brown. Turn with pancake turner. Bake 3-4 minutes on second side or until golden brown. Cool on cake rack. Frost with a milk frosting, if desired. Continue cooking next batch of cookies.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
