Meat Cakes are a delectable culinary creation that combines the savory flavors of ground round steak, aromatic herbs, and grated cheese. This dish, born from a blend of classic techniques and creative innovation, captures the essence of comfort and indulgence. The story of Meat Cakes is one of culinary evolution, where humble ingredients are transformed into a flavorful delight that continues to bring joy to those who savor its deliciousness.

Meat Cakes are a testament to the ingenuity of cooks who sought to elevate the everyday into something extraordinary. Ground meats have long been a staple in many cuisines, and Meat Cakes likely emerged as a way to transform ordinary ingredients into a dish that marries taste and texture in an imaginative manner.

The origins of Meat Cakes can be traced to the tradition of using minced or ground meat to create versatile and flavorful dishes. The inclusion of ingredients like cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs adds depth and character to the meat cakes, showcasing the evolution of culinary techniques and the desire to create meals that are both satisfying and memorable.

Over time, recipes like Meat Cakes found their way into cookbooks and household kitchens, where they were cherished as a go-to option for a delicious and hearty meal. The fusion of textures and flavors in Meat Cakes represents the ever-evolving nature of cuisine, where creativity and experimentation result in timeless dishes that continue to be enjoyed through generations.

INGREDIENTS

For Meat Cakes:

• 1 lb. round steak, ground
• 3 tablespoonfuls melted Crisco (shortening)
• 3 small onions
• 1 tablespoonful chopped parsley
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 lb. grated cheese
• 2 cupfuls breadcrumbs
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• Tomato sauce (recipe below)

For Sauce:

• 4 tablespoonfuls Crisco (shortening)
• 1 carrot
• 1 turnip
• 2 onions
• 3 tablespoonfuls flour
• 2 cupfuls stock
• 1 can or 1/2 lb. fresh tomatoes
• 1 tablespoonful tomato catsup
• 1 bunch sweet herbs
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper to taste
• 1 blade mace
• 1 bay leaf

INSTRUCTIONS

For Meat Cakes:

1. Grind the round steak and onions together.
2. Add melted Crisco, chopped parsley, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Beat the eggs lightly and add them to the mixture. Mix all the ingredients together.
4. Form the mixture into small cakes and coat them with flour.
5. Fry the meat cakes in hot Crisco until they are golden brown.
6. Serve the meat cakes hot, accompanied by tomato sauce.

For Sauce:

1. Slice the carrot, turnip, and onions.
2. In a pan, fry the sliced vegetables in Crisco for ten minutes.
3. Add the flour, stock, mace, bay leaf, tomatoes, tomato catsup, and sweet herbs to the pan.
4. Stir the mixture until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for forty-five minutes.
5. After simmering, pass the sauce through a sieve to remove any solids.
6. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper to taste.

To Serve:

1. Place the meat cakes on a serving dish.
2. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meat cakes.
3. Enjoy the Meat Cakes while they are still hot and flavorful.

The story of Meat Cakes is one that celebrates the fusion of culinary traditions and the art of transforming simple ingredients into a dish that embodies both comfort and innovation. This recipe offers a glimpse into the history of culinary exploration, where cooks have continually experimented to create dishes that delight the senses and bring people together around the table.