Dad was famous for missing dinner. Whether he was playing cards with old friends, or he just couldn’t leave the river because the fish were biting. But whatever the reason, I can still see him puttering around the kitchen long after Mom had washed the dishes and called it quits on kitchen duty for the day. And a tin of Kipper Snacks was one of Dad’s favorite “go to” dinners when he was in the dog house for missing Mom’s “real” dinner…even if he came home with a good excuse and a “catch” like this one!
Recently I was browsing the grocery shelves as I often do. (Some women head to the mall. But I head to the grocery store!) I noticed a flat red plastic wrapped tin I immediately recognized…and I just had to buy it since some great memories of Dad came flooding back.
Dad was no slouch in the kitchen. He could pull out a cast iron skillet and fry up a delicious steak and “a mess” of fried potatoes with onions.
In fact when Mom was gone to her monthly women’s card club my brother and I would look forward to that once a month steak and potato dinner ala Dad.
So while those memories were fresh in my mind I decided to recreate Dad’s Kipper Snacks meal for my solo lunch since Peepaw was not coming home to join me that day. (I’m not sure Peepaw’s taste buds are quite ready for this dish!)
You see, these Kipper Snacks are actually smoked herring that are wild-caught off the coast of Canada. They are an oily fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. (Who knew Dad was choosing a somewhat healthy late night dinner way back in the 1950’s!)
I peeled off that outer wrapping and I dropped the tin into several inches of water in a saucepan just like Dad used to do. I simmered the can in the water for several minutes to allow the kippers to be heated completely. Then I carefully lifted the can from the water with some kitchen tongs and I placed the whole can on a plate.
I noticed that the can no longer came with a metal “key” to roll the lid back. There is now a pull tab.
(I miss that key…I always felt like Dad was opening a treasure chest as he rolled back the lid!)
I carefully removed the lid completely, being careful not to cut myself on the sharp tin edges.
Then I reached for the two items Dad always included when he dined on Kipper Snacks.
First…that very special sauce…lots of it!
And next…a sleeve of plain old saltine crackers…and Voila’! My lunch was ready!
And yes Dear Readers…Those Kipper Snacks brought back all the right memories for me since Dad always shared a few bites of his late night dinner with his little girl. And those special memories still warm my heart.
And as you can see by this picture…Mom (almost) always forgave him for missing dinner…no matter WHAT excuse he gave her!
kind of fascinating but yuck love the photos!
LOL Linda! You make me laugh! You need to learn to color outside the lines! (Kipper Snacks are DELISH!!!) 🙂 And I’m glad you like my photos!
XOXO
Meemaw
My grandpa ate em while fishing, he’d open up a tin and eat them with his pocket knife. Yeah, the same knife that cut bait, and all the other chores and was as clean as a swipe on his coveralls pants leg could get it! Don’t know how he lasted til 72….lol! I enjoyed your reminiscing, it brought back all my fond memories of Dad and his dad….. Also side mine with saltines and a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon!
Hi Kev! Thanks for sharing your wonderful memory! And what wonderful memories we both share!
XOXO
Meemaw
I can’t believe you can heat in the can!
LOL! Yes you can Jan…I watched Dad do it for years! (And I recently did it myself too!) Those little fish are absolutely delicious. You need to give this a try for a quick lunch! 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
What a cute story! I love kipper snacks. In Frank’s hotsauce, a little mustard and saltine crackers. High in protein 11mg and 110 calories.
Awww…Thank you for your kind comment Jade! I enjoyed re-reading that post again, and I’m glad you love those little fishies as much as I do! And the fact that they are GOOD for us? Well…that’s a bonus! 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
I just finished a tin of kippers myself. I learned,many many years ago, how good they were while in the Navy. I could have a snack without the mess deck being open for business. Thanks for the tip on heating them. I miss the keys too, not as messy as the springy peel lid. Nice family photos.
Thanks so much for your comment Bill…and guess what? My Dad’s name was Bill too! He was in the Army so maybe that’s where he developed his love of those little fish! I can still see him shaking Worcestershire sauce onto those warmed kipper snacks and eating them with a stack of Saltine crackers. 🙂 Food memories are the best!
Thanks again for writing…and Happy New Year!
XOXO
Meemaw
I was talking to a friend about fish, in general. I remember that my dad ate kipper snacks when he came home late from work. I was grossed out because I didn’t like fish. I was a kid. I always thought they were anchovies. Not sure if I’m brave enough to try them even now. It’s a nice dad memory.
LOL Suzie!! Thanks for sharing your memory with me! Be brave…and give them a try. Just add some Worcestershire sauce to those warm kippers…and ENJOY!!
XOXO
Meemaw
Def going to try it tomorrow!
Great!! I hope you like them as much as I do!
XOXO
Meemaw
My daughter and I were talking about different canned fish. The memory of kipper snacks came up. We always had some in the pantry when I was a kid AND when she was little. I haven’t had them in years. Don’t know why! I will be looking for them on my next shopping trip.
Love your story and all your family photos. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories with us and inspiring our memories of long forgotten family times.
Aww…Thank you Rena for your kind comment! I love hearing from my readers and I’m so glad my story touched your heart. Food memories are priceless to me!
XOXO
Meemaw
I’ve recently been browsing (ie procrastinating when I should be cleaning the house / kitchen) recipes for kippers and other tinned fish. I will definitely be trying out Bills recipe for kippers with saltines and love the idea that when I’m working remotely I could heat up the tin using only a hot water boiler.
I’m so glad you’ll give Dad’s “recipe” a try! Please let me know how you like them!!
XOXO
Meemaw
heating in the tin is genius, thank you!
You’re so welcome! (My Dad would be glad you liked his method!) 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
Thank you for posting this! My dad and I loved kipper snacks. I saw a can in the store and had to buy it and eat it in memory of him. He’s been gone 5 years and I miss him terribly. So glad you have good memories like this too! And thanks for sharing them!!
Awww…Thank you for your kind comments Carolyn! Aren’t food memories the best??!!
XOXO
Meemaw
I grew up eating canned sardines in water, oil or mustard sauce with King Oscar Kippered Herring tossed in occassionally. I just finished a tin of the Kippered herring not 5 minutes ago, but I prefer them straight from the can on Ritz crackers. Or with a little sour cream and minced shallots.
Thanks for your comment Lowell! I used to own a cruise travel agency…and one of my favorite breakfasts on a cruise was smoked kippers! I love them!
XOXO
Meemaw
I am sitting here grinning. Your story brought back memories from years ago. FUN! Thanks!
Awww…Thank YOU Jane! Your comment sure brought a smile to my face!!
XOXO
Meemaw