Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Mario and Luigi's Quest to Save Lunch

It's one of those bizarre days. I'm talking about the days that you know your husband won't be making his entrance at his usual 4:30-5 timeslot, so you not only work your entire dayshift by yourself, as usual, but then work the nightshift solo too.

So on these "special" days...."special" as in "Everyone will be happy and at ease without daddy if the day is carefully planned out" kind of special....I try and do abnormal things. Some of these abnormalities include: All play and no work when it comes to house cleaning, trips to the our friendly Mega Store after everyone's pm naps, and....Tator Tot Hotdish.

This delectible and Oh-so-Mouthwatering meal is a favorite of mine and the kids too. So, we make a big batch of it when he's gone and eat it for lunch AND dinner.

Without assessing the ingredient situation, I started browning the hamburger but then remembered that our oven went on the brink. Oops, pausing for a nano second. That's ok, I'll make my own, "Simmer version."

As I went to grab some milk, I stood staring. Shoot. No milk. Something that is on our list for the Mega Store this afternoon. Well, heavy whipping cream will work.

After adding the rest of the ingredients I was ready for the Tator Tots. Right? Because we are making Tator Tot Hotdish.

Nope.

Nothing.

Now, I hope this doesn't change my friendship with all of you. You do realize my circumstances right? Two babies drinking bottles in their carseats while our 3 year old is painting at the counter and our little man is running around pushing his basketball in the baby stroller. And it is one of those weird days, did I mention that?

Well, the hashbrowns that we had crisped up quite nicely and were a perfect stand in for the Tators.

A success! Finished. Let's Eat!

As I was savoring each and every bite of our meal, watching the kids "Mmmmm" through it all...I couldn't help but picture myself as Mario or Luigi running through a little Mommy-world dodging numerous Warios, Troopas, and Bullet Bills.

Well, I saved her y'all...Princess Peach that is.

And our Tator Tot Hotdish.



7 comments:

Shelly said...

haven't had tater tot hot dish in ages!!!! I don't have a good recipe. would you mind sharing it with us?

Kim said...

lol, what it day it must've been but it all worked out well as it sounds. Hey, thanks for stopping by and commnenting. The playroom should be done shortly so then I will be posting pics once I get all of the toys in their reserved spots.

Rachel said...

Sounds like a day out of my cooking journal. I always, always, always forget to check to see if I have all the ingredients before I start cooking. I'm very impressed with your substitutions.

Right now Ava is busy chopping up some wooden vegetables. Do you think they will soften if I boil them long enough. 'Cause right now, they're all we have.

Leslie said...

I so wish you were all over for dinner tonight. I got taco stuff but husband is working late again so I really doubt I'll be making anything.
Wish I had a tator tot hotdish and some egg nog to top it all off.

Boys are screaming in their bed...must go.

Anonymous said...

Oh, your post was scruptiously delivered (and I loved the Mario Bros. reference....your clever and you can cook!). I loved it. I must say I can relate to lots of parts of your post. I mean, except about the cooking part. I really don't cook. Tonight it was Piper's lasagna, but other nights when dad doesn't make his entrance until all the kids are asleep, we eat Annie's organic bunny crackers, avocado slices, shredded cheese, carrots and ketchup and applesauce for dinner. I bet my kids would die for a Tater Tot! Or some hash browns.

Ehlan said...

Yum! TTHDish is one of our faves too! O loves it! I despise not having the ingredients I need...especially when I am so sure that I am prepared!!

Triplets and a Surprise said...

Wish is was something exciting, but we're going to be responsible and pay bills and save. Being grown up isn't fun sometimes!