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The Chance of a Lifetime (Hill, GL, 1931)

This story discusses two young people making difficult sacrifices.  Alan has the opportunity to travel to Egypt, but needs to stay home to run the family store.  Sherrill visits family in New York and learns how differently people can live.  In the midst of their trials, they are still able to uplift others.

When Bob stops to thank Alan for recommending him for the trip, Sherrill served lemonade and chocolate cake. 
Alan's mom left a pitcher of milk, a plate of sandwiches and cake for the boys late in the evening.  For breakfast she made honeydew melon, chops, fried potatoes, waffles and coffee.
Sherrill's family enjoyed a "happy lunch" with fried potatoes, cold ham, applesauce and raised biscuits.
There are two evening events described in the book.  The descriptions of the activities and decorations are so perfect for fall.  The first is for the young people of the church.  They had apple tarts with homemade ice cream and hot chocolate with whipped cream.  The other is a Thanksgiving dinner for some less fortunate friends.  It was more elaborate starting with a fruit cup and ending with pumpkin pie, ice cream, twelve layer cakes, coffee, nuts and candy.

A favorite reminder from Aunt Harriet before visiting unfriendly relatives:  She encourages Sherrill by saying, "Be fine enough yourself so that nothing unpleasant they can do will touch you."
I also love how after finding a church service on her own in New York, Sherrill "came back refreshed, with her heart trembling with eagerness to witness for such a Lord as hers, and her mind made up to bear the unpleasantness of the way, if only she might be used somehow, somewhere."