Lunchroom Memories

Ahhh, school lunches.  The thought evokes many memories, although many aren't fond trips down the lane.  Like the sugar-coated dates in a paper cup we called "rabbit pellets," which really need no further explanation.  Or the time the boy in front of me bit into his burger and found a bullet.  And, who could forget the day we were horsing around and I was bumped off my seat.  A few tearful minutes later, I was mooning Mrs. Taylor to show her my bruised behind. 

Obviously, with moments like those the treasured memories I have from the lunchroom are few and far between.  There was one day on the lunch menu though that sparked joy each month.  One day I always brought change to buy extras.  One glorious day I watched the minutes tick away on the classroom clock.  That would be Rhode Island Burger day!

I don't really know why they were called burgers, as there was no meat patty involved.  And after doing a short Google search, I don't even think the recipe came from Rhode Island.  In fact, if it weren't for a Facebook friend tracking down a friendly former lunch lady, the recipe wouldn't be in my possession.  But, it is, and it was dinner tonight.  Salty ham and gooey cheese sandwiched between layers of flaky, buttery crust.

And although the kids enjoyed it, even went back for seconds, they didn't share the same nostalgic excitement Tim and I did.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow I'll try serving pizza and corn!

Rhode Island Burger"

Yeast Bread with Ham and Cheese Filling Baked to a Golden Brown

(A Favorite in School Cafeteria for Years)

Yeast Dough Recipe (For Top and Bottom Crust)

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 pinch white sugar

Mix these three and set aside..

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 cup warm water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups all-purpose flour

Shaved Ham or thinly sliced

American Cheese..Shredded or thin sliced

(can add other kinds of Shredded Cheese)

Melted Butter

In another Bowl ..Mix Eggs,Sugar, Water ,Oil and Salt

beat in 2 Cups Flour..Add the Yeast Mixture..then add the rest of the Flour beat until it forms a soft Dough..cover with a warm Damp Cloth

..let rise until Doubled..

Roll out on Floured Board..to make thin Crust ..

Grease a long Baking Dish..Put Bottom Crust in Pan..Layer Ham and Cheese

(as much as you like to fill Baking Dish)

Top with another Thin Crust..cut any extra Dough from sides so the Two Crust combine.

Brush with Butter..Let set until Dough Rises again..

Bake at 350 for about 30 Mins. or until Brown.

This may be enough Dough for two small ones or one large one..