Friday, March 14, 2008

Guinea Pig Friday...

You might be asking yourself..."What in the world is Guinea Pig Friday?" Well, it is something that I just made up. Like most of you, I enjoy cooking and have many family favorites that are probably not the most healthy things to eat on a regular basis.

So, I decided to create Guinea Pig Friday. That is when I take an unhealthy recipe and try to remake it healthier. Then my family and friends get to be the "Guinea Pigs" that I test it out on.

Today, I am going to remake a recipe that doesn't sound so great, but it really does taste good. The name sounds funny and the ingredients do not sound so appetizing together, but it is something quick, easy, and no matter how much I make, there is never enough to save for leftovers. Here is the recipe...

Tater Tot Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 bag tater tots, frozen

In a casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, crumble up the ground beef. Make sure that it evenly covers the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the diced onion on top of the beef and then use the salt and pepper. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the top and then cover that with the shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, arrange the tater tots over the top.

Put in a preheated oven and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

I am going to try and remake this using ground turkey, no salt, fat-free soup, low fat cheese and fresh shredded potatoes. Will let you know how it turns out.

How Would You Have Handled This Situation?

Last night, my husband told me a story about a friend of his. The husband had decided to buy some diamond stud earrings for his wife to celebrate their upcoming anniversary. He purchased them early to receive a great price during the recent long holiday season. Because he wanted to make the gift a surprise, he also opened up a new credit card using his work address for the bills. Then he hid the earrings in his golf shoes in the closet. With all of his careful planning, he was sure that it was going to be a secret gift for his better half.

Imagine his surprise when he received this phone call yesterday for the wife. She was madder than a wet hen and calling him every name she could think of. I imagine the conversation went something like this...

W - So...who is she?

H - Who is who?

W - Someone at work? Someone you met during one of your "business trips"?

H - What are you talking about?

W - The woman you bought the g^% d@mned diamond earrings for!

H - Oh sh!t! How do you know about the diamond earrings?

W - So it it true! You're cheating on me!

H - I am not cheating on you!

W - I just received a phone call from a representative from the credit card that you secretly opened up, asking how I like my new earrings!

H - Those f#$king a$$h*l^$! I was trying to surprise you for our anniversary. Go look in the closet. I have them hidden in my stinky golf shoes. The one place that I knew you wouldn't look!

Like the saying goes...

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions!