The Horseshoe

When you think of the word horseshoe, you probably think of well....a horse's shoe.  Having grown up in Springfield, IL this word brings a whole different thought to mind which is mmmmm yummy.  Horseshoes were good anytime of the day, breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Maybe if you weren't that hungry or watching your waistline, you might just get a pony.  Yes folks, horseshoes are food.  Now I'm not going to go into the whole history etc of how they came about.  If you want to know all that information you can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_sandwich.  This will give you everything you might want to know on the origin of this scrumptious and comforting food. 

Basically a horseshoe is a piece of toast, meat, french fries and cheese sauce.  You can put any type of meat in it you would like.  Ham and hamburgers are the most popular that I know of but it's the cheese sauce that brings it all together and makes you go mmmmm once you take the bite.  In fact after the initial bite you may chew somewhat slower in order to savor the flavor that is exploding on your taste buds.  Growing up eating these, I took for granted how yummy they are and the experience you have while eating them.  I remember the time when I was visiting Springfield with my family and my sister took us out for horseshoes.  I insisted that everyone order one because I wanted them to try it.  Needless to say, they all enjoyed it but seeing their faces after the first bite was great.  Who knew such basic ingredients could be so heavenly. 

So you want one now, don't you?  But chances are you probably don't live in Springfield, IL and can't run out and order one.  Then you think, hey I can whip this up but making a cheese sauce may seem a little intimidating.  Well I have just the recipe for you.  Now, it's not as incredible as the original BUT it's fast, simple and budget friendly.  I have made it several times for my family but next time, I'm doubling it because the pan is always empty and everyone could of had seconds. 

Cheeseburger 'N Fry Casserole (recipe courtsey of the Marvelous Memorial Cuisine Cookbook)

1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 package frozen fries or tater tots

Preheat oven according to temperature on package of fries or tater tots.  Brown ground beef or turkey in skillet.  I season mine with salt, Lawry's, onion powder and garlic powder.  Drain and pour meat into a small casserole dish.  I use an 8 x 8.  Add the undiluted soups to the meat and stir together.  (Sorry about the pan but it's stoneware and it seasons as it's used so it gets darker)

Place a single layer of frozen fries across the top of the mixture.  Bake until the fries or tots are done.  This takes about 30 minutes or so.  Once out of the oven, sprinkle some salt over the fries to taste. 

Serve baked casserole over a slice of toast for a homemade horseshoe.  Now, go ahead and taste.  SEE, told you.  mmm, mmm, goodness.  :)