ABC Wednesday

The letter of note this week is B

On a literary note, B is for "Boys, Bombs and Brussels Sprouts" a 'knees-up wheels-up chronicle of WW11'; a tale of J. Douglas Harvey's wartime adventures with Bomber Command and the Squadron cooks who forever put a blight on Brussels Sprouts for thousands and thousands of servicemen.

A copy of this book sat on Charles' reading shelf until he loaned it to another reading enthusiast, - alas, never to be returned.  It was 'a joyous' book, written by a young man who was only twenty when he piloted 31 sorties over the Continent, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Another literary B is a sophisticated classification of Canadian Prime Ministers written by Will Ferguson, "Bastards and Boneheads,  Canada's Glorious Leaders Past and Present"

Robin Ryan of Vancouver, British Columbia, reviews this book quite adequately.....

"Ferguson does a wonderful job making Canadian history, traditionally perceived as a dull topic, into an enthralling tale of a budding nation, people, and the strange contradiction that is inherent to all things Canadian. The language is simple, yet the ideas are very critical. The humoUr is terrific, yet Ferguson pulls no punches in condemning some of Canada's more shameful history. An excellent primer for anybody interested in Canadian history."


You may not agree with his opinions, but it is humourous, a good read and well researched.


If you were one of the servicemen who only allow brussels sprouts on the dinner table at Christmas time, for tradition's sake, - here is a recipe for the tiny, overboiled, grey-looking cabbages that may change your mind.


Brussels Sprouts Cheesy Casserole Recipe


Cook 2 10 oz. packages of frozen Brussels sprouts according to package directions; drain and cut sprouts into fourths - set aside.


Combine 2 slightly beaten eggs with 3/4 cup of soft bread crumbs, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp of chopped onion, - also a dash of pepper.


Fold in the sprouts and transfer to a casserole.  Combine another 3/4 cup of soft crumbs with 2 tbsp of melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the sprouts.


Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes, - it is bound to change your jaundiced view of Brussels Sprouts for the better!


For more B entries visit ABC Wednesday here, and prepare to be educated and entertained.