This is another recipe that I saved from the 1980’s cooking show “The Frugal Gourmet”. I think his name was Jeff Smith. I don’t think he was held in high regard by the “foodies” of the time, but I enjoyed it. This recipe is an un-retouched copy of the original.
If you compare this recipe to my Colcannon recipe you will see it’s very similar. I think this is just an English version of the classic Irish dish. Supposedly the bubble comes from the cabbage being boiled nad blanched and the squeak from the frying in the pan.
- 3 potatoes boiled with skins on, rough mashed
- 4 cups chopped Cabbage, blanched and well-drained
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- a bit grated Zucchini
- 3 slices Bacon, browned and crumbled. (Reserve some of the fat in the frying pan)
- 1/2 cup cooked Ham, diced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with your hands. Pack down into a cast iron frying pan with the bacon drippings in it. Cook until toasted brown. Time depends on the burner setting about 15 to 20 minutes.
reddirtcooking 
I used to love watching the Frugal Gourmet when I lived in CA. Didn’t he used to end it with, “oooh, it’s good!?!” (or was that another one of those food guys?)
Lanita, oh, I don’t remember. But I do remember that he usually wore a blue pinstriped apron and he had glasses, a mustache and a goatee. He reminded me more of a college Prof. LOL. What I didn’t realize at the time was that he was a Minister. I always got a kick out of his shows.
“Oooh, it’s so Good!” was ‘Mr. Food’. Quite the character – lol
He would always end his show with, “I bid you peace.”
If you go to Google Images and type in The Frugal Gourmet you will see all kinds of pictures of him. I remember him.
I make something called Bubble and Squeak that I got out of a La Leche League cookbook in the mid-80’s with cabbage, potatoes, sausage and vinegar. I always thought the vinegar was the “squeak”.
SueEllen, The vinegar could surely be the squeak. If you email your recipe to me I will definetely post it. I want to post several versions of the recipes. Thanks for the tip on Google Images. I’ll check that out out. I remeber him always leaning across his cooking counter and looking into the camera. Ohhh, those were the days when I was a young wife! LOL!!
In Jeff’s defense! he was highly regarded by many, including Chef’s of the day. I have all of his books , he was an inspiring chef that taught me how to cook without recipes,to taste my way along and do it with confidence. “Bubble and Squeak” ,those words popped into my head today as I stood staring at a green cabbage on my counter..thinking what to do with it!?
LOL! I do agree with you. I have most of his books my friends are on a mission to get all of them for me. I have posted a Cream of Peanut Butter soup, with my changes, from his The Frugal Gourment Cooks American. It is great! Thanks for your comment!
Oh yes, you are correct. I saw Mr. Food last year on a local channel. Too funny.