prepare-ahead meat brings peace of mind

I'm in search of a recipe for cookies that I can take to a far-away picnic (i.e. can be prepared a couple of days ahead of time, will travel well, and non-melty). Perusing my cookbooks, (in the wrong chapter) I came across this photo in the Farm Journal's Country Cookbook, copyright 1959.


In case you can't read the caption, it says:
Molded Beef Ring Meat set in gelatin and waiting in the refrigerator brings peace of mind when company's coming.

Yes, those are pimento olives and ketchup trails for decorative topping.