Recipe: Martha's Hoagie Haven Cheeseburger Hoagie

You're right, Kathy in Osceola, Missouri, there was a Martha's Hoagie Haven in Wrightstown. You have brought back some beautiful memories.

Back in September of 1961, that little hoagie shop was right around the corner from where the Air Force hid the 730th Air Force Band. What a wonderful, crazy bunch they were!

Anyway, I was an Airman 3rd Class, and my favorite New Jersey fast food was a Martha's Hoagie Haven "Cheeseburger Hoagie."

This particular Hoagie was basically a "plain old 1950's Texas Cheeseburger" but it had a special taste all its own as well as a long, hoagie bun. I'd never seen such a bun before that. It tasted a bit different, didn't it?

Nevertheless, my best guess is that the owners of Martha's mixed their hamburger meat with an egg and some milk, thereby making the meat taste more like a meatloaf than a burger. They may have put either sauted onions or caramelized onions on top of the meat, and that may have created that different taste.) I have put chopped onions into the meat/milk/egg concoction, and it was rather good.)

Their cook put a dill pickle on the side sometime, along with a little lettuce (dog-gone little), chopped onion when asked for, some medium (not sharp) cheddar cheese, and really ripe tomatoes (possibly Roma tomatoes for size because of the width of the bun).

One time, Kathy, I had the cook put a fried egg (over easy) on top of the meat but covered by the toasted bun. That was one of the best Hoagies I've ever eaten.

My very best to you, Kathy, and to all of the Martha's Hoagie Haven fans throughout the rest of the world. You be the fan club President, and I'll be the 81 year old fan.

Blessings,
David R. LeMaster, Ed.D.
Lt Colonel, USAF Retired
Midland, Texas

P.S.: Did you ever try Paul's Pizza in Pemberton, New Jersey -- or the Extra Thick Pizza sold at the Columbus Farmer's Market? Wow, those New Jersey folks really knew how to cook. God Bless 'em!