1970s School Cafeteria Lunch Recipes

COPYCAT LUNCH LADY PIZZA

Steps:

• Grease a metal (1/2-sized) sheet pan (18"x13") and line it with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk powder, sugar, yeast and salt. Microwave the water for about 1 minute and add the oil. Pour the oil and water mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a spatula until a batter is formed. If there are a few lumps remaining, it's OK.
• Spread the pizza dough into the prepared sheet pan, being sure the dough is spread evenly and to the edges of the pan. If you are having trouble with the dough spreading to the edges of the pan, allow the dough to rest for at least 5 minutes before spreading it with your fingertips.
• Meanwhile, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef together until cooked completely. Drain if necessary and set aside.
• Bake the un-topped crust for 6 - 8 minutes. Remove the crust and top with the pizza sauce, then the cooked sausage and beef mixture and then the shredded cheese.
• Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8 - 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
• Slice into rectangles and serve.

SCHOOL LUNCHROOM CAFETERIA ROLLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together the warm water and 1 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let it stand for about 10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
• Mix the milk, eggs and salt into the yeast. Measure the flour into a separate bowl, add 2/3 cup sugar, and crumble the shortening into it using your fingers until it is barely noticeable. Gradually stir the flour into the wet ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and starts to form a ball around the spoon. Cover with a hot wet towel that has been wrung out, and set in a warm place to rise until double in bulk. This should take about 45 minutes.
• When the dough has risen, pour the melted butter over it, and knead for about 2 minutes. Let the dough rest for a few minutes, then roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1 inch thick. Use a knife to cut into 2 inch squares. Roll squares into balls, and place into greased round pans, spacing about 1 inch apart. Let rise again until doubled in size. You could also refrigerate the dough, and let it rise overnight for baking the next day.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake the rolls for about 12 minutes, until golden brown.