For Lovers of Leftovers

How could any food article the week after Thanksgiving not talk about left-overs? They are an essential part of the holiday. And perhaps my favorite part. I love the feeling of thriftiness, ingenuity and creativity that comes with figuring out how to make use of what's left in the refrigerator. It's like a game, which I admit, not everyone likes to play. I think people fall in two categories when it comes to leftovers -- those that like them, and those that don't. There seems to be no in between. Luckily, my spouse is in the "I love them" category. It's a good thing - this week he'll be feasting on turkey tetrazzini, turkey noodle soup, potato pancakes and cranberry relish. Not a bad week (unless your counting carbs). And the happy memories of Thanksgiving Day linger around my kitchen a bit longer, making left-overs even better.

Potato Pancakes
Left over mashed potatoes
Oil (bacon grease adds extra flavor!)
Take a small hand full of mashed potatoes and form in to patties about 1 inch thick. Add oil to skillet; add pancakes and cook about 5 -7 minutes a side, until potatoes are hot throughout and outside is golden brown and crispy.

Good Company. Good Food. Thankful Me.

Out-of-town company is always a great reason to go places you typically never do, and then wonder why you don't. In this case,it was the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art - the new Native American exhibit. What a treat. Kansas City never looked so wonderful. In spite of grey skies, the streets are clean, the people are friendly, the traffic is so manageable -- and the food is great. So I quickly digress again to food. We had several Mexican dives to choose from - and couldn't have been happier with where we ended up. Likewise for a lazy Saturday lunch at a neighborhood bistro. But my favorite place was my house for breakfast.
How is it that farm fresh eggs taste so much better than store-bought eggs? They cook better, they look better and they taste better. Richer, yolkier so say the two egg aficionados who feasted on them one morning. "Like breast implants" is how the yolks were described, as they set up so nicely in the frying pan (the two egg experts were men). I guess there is something about freshness - whether it's herbs from the garden, apples from the tree or eggs from the hen. Food freshness - and my ability to access it -- is one more thing I will add to my list of things to be thankful for. That and my out-of-town company.

Just for Starters..... Food for Thought.

I feel like Carrie Bradshaw. Only instead of writing about sex, I'll write about food. There are, however, some things the two have in common. They both provide physical and emotional comfort - and they both inspire lots of discussion. I'm sticking with the food angle, though. And good thoughts.
My thought for the day - why is it so often when you need things the most - you want them the least? Like food and water when you are sick (as I am today). Or when you are lonely and sad, and what you need is companionship and support - but you just want to crawl up under the covers and be left alone. It doesn't make sense. Why don't we crave what we need? And stay away from things we don't. Wow. Don't think I can answer that one here. Didn't mean to come out of the gates so heavy.
So back to food. Yes, I am sick. But I am having Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Que for dinner tonight. Honestly. It's listed as one of the thirteen places you have to eat before you die. And I'm not THAT sick. Not sure who made up the list... I'll have that as my homework. Now, I'm curious about the other twelve.

What a great combination - food and thought. Two of my favorite pastimes. Now I get to write about both. It's an adventure I'm ready for.