We might just skip the dinner and head straight for the leftovers

Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago and I’m already missing the turkey. Well, not so much the turkey itself, or the carcass or the turkey soup that hangs around for days and days. And I guess I’m not really missing the stuffing and mashed potatoes and the creamed onions. So, I guess I’m not really missing anything about Thanksgiving except for the amazing strata I made a few days after Thanksgiving. I “created” the dish after we had already had two meals of leftovers and the thought of another plate of Thanksgiving fare wasn’t too appetizing. Besides, the gravy was gone and all that was left was stuffing and turkey. I can’t really say this dish is original since we all made something similar back in the 90’s. Remember when stratas were on every buffet table? My family made a breakfast strata every chance they could. So, with going retro as the “in” thing to do, putting my last few leftovers to good use with a “back –in-the-day” strata seemed cutting edge.

The stuffing got brown and crunchy on top and pudding like in the middle with the cheese and turkey making a happy pair. With a dollop of cranberry sauce and a tossed green salad, it was fabulous. Here’s the problem: to make this dish again, I’d have to make stuffing and that’s just not going to happen until next November. Guess this will be just one more thing to look forward to that makes the holidays special.

Cynthia’s Post-Thanksgiving Retro Turkey Stuffing Strata

3 to 4 cups of stuffing

1 to 2 cups cooked turkey, cut into small pieces

1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until barely tender

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

3 eggs

1 ½ cups milk

In a small casserole, layer half of the stuffing, all of the turkey, all of the broccoli, half of the cheese and then the rest of the stuffing. Mix together the eggs and milk and pour over the casserole. Top with the remaining cheese. Let sit for half hour in the refrigerator. Bake in 350° for 30 minutes or until egg is set and top is crunchy.

Blah, blah, blah...me complaining





A chimp in a chef's hat
can always make me
feel happy

So, I guess I’ve been in a bit of a slump. What started out as a fun adventure has turned into a lot of hard work.  Trying to think of something creative and interesting around a little tiny bit of meat or using up every little bit of vegetable floating in the veggie bin is draining. I’m still buying organic (it’s not like I’m horking down Big Macs at McD) and for the most part, doing so successfully. Thing is, every trip to the market is a laborious task: do I buy this dozen eggs that are organic but I don’t know where they came from or do I get back in the car and drive to another store where I know the eggs are from Northern California AND organic but they cost too much or do I drive to another store where I know they are local AND organic AND a decent price but they are always out of stock? I wander aimlessly through the produce section with a glassy, vacant stare as I mentally try to create a meal with what is on sale, organic, and fresh. It was a very proud moment for me when once, I left Whole Foods with only spending $9.62.

I think the slump started a couple of months ago when I interviewed for a job. Interview went well; I was stoked. Thing is 25 other folks also applied for the job. It wasn’t the best fit for me so it was no surprise I didn’t get the job. I’m not ready yet to apply at JC Penney or Kohls (both are hiring but I break into dry heaves just walking in those stores so working there might be a challenge). I know things will change and the right job will come along. I just need to get enthused again about this grand adventure. Try to get enthused about taking ownership of what we eat.

My garden? I don’t have a burning desire to tend to my vegetables. It’s cold and wet and slugs abound. I guess that’s why people plant gardens in the spring. Even with my inattentiveness, the veggies are giving their all…bok choy and kale are looking good…or at least they were the last time I was out there.

Blah, blah, blah. Ok. So, I’ll snap out of it. Quit my complaining. Hey, maybe I’ll make some bread…kneading is a great way to realign thought and purpose. Plus, eating the loaf tastes good. And I’ve got some huge squashes to cook…that’s always exciting, isn’t it? Maybe a pot of beans will do the trick and provide inspiration. Hey, I know what! I’ll write something scathing about factory farmed beef. That’s always a sure way to get my blood boiling. Yeah. I can do this.