Sh*t on a Shingle- What a name? The good news: there is no actual sh*t or shingles in this recipe! Even better news: Delicious!
Maybe not the most appetizing name- but it’s time-tested and nostalgic. Definitely a taste memory for so many people.
Why is Creamed Chipped Beef on toast called SOS?
Creamed Chipped beef recipes or ‘SOS’ goes back to the early 1900s as a staple for military troops. It doesn’t sound fancy- but actually not that different than the French BÉCHAMEL SAUCE . The first appearance of a “Shit on a Shingle recipe may be in the 1910 Manual for Army Cooks, which listed it as “stewed, chipped beef”. It became a staple in all of the branches of the service because Chipped beef has been dried, salted, pressed, and thinly sliced, making it a practical, compact, and shelf-stable food that’s an ideal source of protein for soldiers.
Is Corned Beef the same as dried beef?
Corned beef and dried beef are different. They both have a high sodium content but the corned beef is brined cured and the dried beef is salt-cured. The flavors and textures are not similar. Dried beef is sometimes smoked for added flavor.
Why do SOS recipes look so different?
Over the years families adapted SOS recipes to what they had available in the cupboard- especially during WWII, when supplies were scarce. Some chipped beef on toast recipes feature ground beef or other meats. Soh#tme recipes feature a creamy white sauce, while some are more like a meat gravy, sometimes even a dash of cayenne pepper. We use the Bechamel style cream sauce with Buddig chopped dried beef and amp it up with spinach and hard boiled eggs and fresh ground black pepper.
Make Creamed Chipped Beef of SOS
The Cuss Kitchen SOS is a more modern take on a beautiful comfort food. This is a creamed Chipped Beef gravy, with egg, and spinach served over toast or biscuits. Perfect for feeding a crowd, and excellent for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Easy to reheat. I always have a few jars of the Buddig beef on a shelf, and it’s a great recipe to upcycle your left over Easter Eggs!
Still a military favorite today-No Sh#t!
2 Responses
I remember eating ‘Chipped Beef on Toast’ as a kid- but this is better than I remembered
nice upgrade to nostalgic dish. fav!