06 May 2009

Fun with leftovers

What to do with that pile of sloppy joe that’s not quite big enough to freeze for another round of sandwiches:

1) Bake some potatoes. Halve lengthwise; scoop out insides and mash with plain yogurt, or sour cream and butter if you’re feeling decadent. Salt to taste.

2) Fill skins with a few spoonfuls of warm meat, then mashed potatoes. Top with shredded cheese and bake just a few minutes till cheese is melted.

3) Add masts (asparagus if ’tis the season).

4) Christen them potato schooners, cheeseburger boats, whatever your kids are most likely to eat. Throw in a maritime quiz: Is this a sloop? A yawl? A ketch?

5) Feel so pleased with yourself* that you let everyone add his own whipped cream to the strawberries when the dessert cart comes out.

Ahoy the power of presentation!

*Even if you can’t take full credit for the creative moment…this recipe inspired me.

12 comments:

lisa said...

Aww...it's really cute! I have to say though my first thought was, "Take me to your leader." Maybe a sloop maybe a Martian...? Sounds good in my house!

Rebekah said...

You wouldn't believe the shameful leftovers I've convinced this crew to eat via creative presentation. It's always such a proud moment, and I so enjoy arranging it.

Reb. Mary said...

Funny how even Dad is susceptible to a well-rearranged, elegantly named plate of leftovers. Shhh... :P

Untamed Shrew said...

silly me... I thought it was Jr. Asparagus and his dad.

Consecutive Odds said...

Reb. Mary, allow me to stir you a martini in honor of your suggestion. Olive or twist?

Marie said...

I know that you are a very talented cook, so I have no doubt that this dish is scrumptious... however, my pregnant self cannot bear the sight of it... setting sail on the Porcelain Express!

Reb. Mary said...

Marie: Oh no, I thought you'd gotten past that stage this time around! :O

Liz: As a beggar, I certainly would never be a chooser...BUT, you know, it has been a loooong time since I've had, for instance, a margarita...

Consecutive Odds said...

Reb. Mary, I'll get out the lime and the salt for a rim, then!

Dawn said...

Your people eat the asparagus!?! This, I cannot understand. ;)

Sir Cuthbert said...

My mom never tried anything like this. Her method was, "This is all the food you're going to get until you eat it. Eventually you'll get hungery enough."

The potato boat looks like a scow to me (short, wide, two-masted). It can't be Martian, because Martians sail triremes: http://skypathcrusade.wordpress.com/the-entire-poem-so-far/ See Chapter 19, verse 4, line 8.

lisa said...

I stand corrected :) Venusian perhaps - I believe they were seaworthy in Perelandra.

lisa said...

verse _3_
I'm totally bookmarking that to read when my kids go to sleep. It can be my warmup for Babylon 5 :)