A Most Enjoyable Evening.

I was dead chuffed (really thrilled) last night to be able to go to our Ward's Relief Society Quarterly activity at the church. Normally I can't go as I always work on Wednesday evenings, but I was able to get off a bit early last night, so that was great! The Relief Society, for those of you who don't know, is the ladies group at my church, quite similar to what other churches would call the Ladies Guild. It was started in Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842 and now has over 5.2 million members worldwide. It is one of the world's oldest and largest women's organization in the world. (It must be true I got these statistics from Wikepedia!)



I have to say at the outset that I was very impressed with everything the women of our RS Enrichment committee presented to us last night. There was a WW2 theme and we were met at the back door by one of the ladies dressed as an Air Warden, in costume and very authentic. She issued us each with a "ration booklet" and we had to go through what looked like an underground tunnel into the main cultural hall. Oh, the hall looked lovely all decorated with WW2 bunting and posters, most handmade and quite lovely. The tables were all set up with small Union Jacks and there was oodles of very informative posters on the walls. The music of that era was playing in the background. It was very well done. We had all been told to wear a kerchief and apron, which I forgot, but nevermind, everyone looked quite lovely and very 1940's!



The evening consisted of three workshops. The first one was dance. We learned to do a bit of WW2 style dancing which was a lot of fun and great exercise! I really enjoyed the music and it was a great laugh! Then we went on to another workshop where we learned a bit about WW2 thrift and got to share some of our own ideas on how to save money and make things last. That was very interesting. Lastly we had a workshop on making your own cosmetics and household cleaners. We're so very spoilt today and it was a real eye opener to see just what women had to work with during those years of frugality! We each got to make a homemade bath tussie. I made mine using oats, some essential oils (I chose Geranium and Lemon Grass and a bit of fresh thyme) It smells great actually!



Afterwards we all met back in the air shelter (which I am assuming the cultural hall was meant to represent) and had some good old WW2 ration style eats. There was a lovely corned beef hash, or as they called it squashed monkeys and apple pie. I skipped the pie, good girl that I am! In any case the hash was delicious and Todd says the pie was fantastic. (He came in at the end to drive me home and lucked in!)



Most important of all, I got to spend a really enjoyable evening with the ladies of our Ward that I love so much, and I learned a few new things. I got some much needed exercise as well! It was a few hours really well spent, and I am so glad that I got to go. They really did a super job! I was cursing my self after I got there as I had forgotten my camera! (why do I do that?) Anyways, thanks Ladies so very much for giving each of us a really wonderful time!

This may not be corned beef hash, but it's a pretty thrifty and economical meal, not to mention delicious. It's very easy to make it low fat as well, by using the low fat smoked sausage and cutting the oil back drastically, which is what I do. I shall give you the recipe as it is written though and leave the rest up to you!



*Hot Sausage Links and Beans*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Potatoes, beans, sausage and cheese, who could ask for more! It's savoury, spicy and slightly sweet all at the same time. This is one of Todd's favourites and is very easy to throw together. It also uses store cupboard ingredients. Delicious!

2 TBS olive oil
1 fat clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 TBS chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
4 potatoes, cooked, peeled and cubed
1/2 pound smoked pork sausage, sliced
2 cups baked beans
1/2 cup packed soft light brown sugar
1/4 cup of your favourite barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese



Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Lightly oil the bottom of an 8 X 8 X 2 inch baking dish. Set aside.

In a medium skillet heat 1 TBS of the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the onion, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook for about a minute longer. Scoop out and set aside. Add the remaining oil (if needed) and the smoked sausage to the skillet and cook for several minutes until browned on all sides. (I don't use the extra oil, I just use the drippings in the skillet)

Mix together the beans, brown sugar and the barbecue sauce in a small bowl.

Lay the cubed potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the onion mixture over top of the potatoes. Evenly distribute the smoked sausage over top of the onion. Finally pour the bean mixture over all and then sprinkle the cheese evenly over all.

Place into the pre-heated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Delicious!