Many a child home sick from school has been fed Rum Tum Tiddy—a soothing, warm concoction of tomato soup and melted cheese over toast. Where the dish got its funny name I don’t know. I do know that it can hardly be said without a smile or guffaw. Here those comforting flavors are set up as a pick-up snack great for parties of all ages.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4; makes 16 pieces

　　1 large egg, beaten

　　1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

　　1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)

　　1 cup chopped pecan pieces

　　1 cup soft bread crumbs

　　1 tablespoon unsalted butter

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

　　1 cup (8-ounce can) tomato sauce (I like Red Gold brand)

　　1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

　　8 pickled okra pods, tops and tips removed, sliced into rounds

　　

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish.

　　

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the egg, Worcestershire sauce, Cheddar cheese, pecans, and bread crumbs.

　　

Step 3

In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Pour the onion and tomato sauce over the bread-crumb mixture and stir together.

　　

Step 4

Spoon the tomato–bread-crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until firm. Cool for 10 minutes and cut into 16 squares.

　　

Step 5

Put the Parmesan cheese on a large plate. Coat all sides of the squares in the Parmesan. Place 1 round of pickled okra in the center of each square as a garnish.

　　

Step 6

To serve, skewer each square on a cocktail pick.

　　

Notes

Step 7

For a quick snack bite, cut white bread into cubes. Spread each cube with mayonnaise and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled blue cheese. Bake in a 450°F. oven for 7 minutes or until the bread is toasty and the cheese is bubbly. Serve warm. You’ll be surprised how fast these are gobbled up.

　　

Step 8

Frank Ward O’Malley’s contribution to the Stag Cook Book of 1922 is a riot of a recipe for Rum Tum Tiddy!

　　A Southerly Course