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Rum Tum Tiddy

Many a child home sick from school has been fed Rum Tum Tiddy—a soothing, warm concoction of tomato soup and melted cheese over toast. Where the dish got its funny name I don’t know. I do know that it can hardly be said without a smile or guffaw. Here those comforting flavors are set up as a pick-up snack great for parties of all ages.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4; makes 16 pieces

Ingredients

1 large egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)
1 cup chopped pecan pieces
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 cup (8-ounce can) tomato sauce (I like Red Gold brand)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 pickled okra pods, tops and tips removed, sliced into rounds

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish.

    Step 2

    In a large bowl, combine the egg, Worcestershire sauce, Cheddar cheese, pecans, and bread crumbs.

    Step 3

    In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Pour the onion and tomato sauce over the bread-crumb mixture and stir together.

    Step 4

    Spoon the tomato–bread-crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until firm. Cool for 10 minutes and cut into 16 squares.

    Step 5

    Put the Parmesan cheese on a large plate. Coat all sides of the squares in the Parmesan. Place 1 round of pickled okra in the center of each square as a garnish.

    Step 6

    To serve, skewer each square on a cocktail pick.

  2. Notes

    Step 7

    For a quick snack bite, cut white bread into cubes. Spread each cube with mayonnaise and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled blue cheese. Bake in a 450°F. oven for 7 minutes or until the bread is toasty and the cheese is bubbly. Serve warm. You’ll be surprised how fast these are gobbled up.

  3. Step 8

    Frank Ward O’Malley’s contribution to the Stag Cook Book of 1922 is a riot of a recipe for Rum Tum Tiddy!

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