on the eve of 2009
we are lucky enough to live on the rose parade route
so every new year's eve
gathering begins
people begin to gather on the streets
setting up camp
lighting fires
preparing for a sleepless night
and
lots of childish fun
and then once dark falls
the floats begin to arrive
people bustling about
readying those famous floats
testing out the mechanics
and
adding the final touches of flourish
all this happens
on our doorstep
and there is no sleep to be had
no fighting the crowds
so what we do
is enjoy the heck out of it
but
i have found that
new year's day comes rather quickly
and i am usually in need of food and coffee
as i rush out the door
as the live action of the floats, bands, horses and cheer of the crowd
begins
so
i pack a breakfast
easy and ready in an instant
in as long as it takes for me to brew a pot of coffee
i have a well balanced meal
that i greedily eat
while others watch in envy
Breakfast Picnic
everything needs to be made in advance 1 or 2 days ahead of time and put together before you head out the door
1/2 potato or leftover baked potato--sliced
a few thin slices of onion
olive oil
handful of grated cheese
4 eggs
pinch basil
Tbs milk
salt and pepper
baguette or hard roll
up to 2 days before serving. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper and grated cheese. Take a small (5 or 6") skillet and add a glug of olive oil. Keep on low and cook potatoes and onion until soft and beginning to brown. pour in the eggs and cook on low until it is cooked through. it is meant to look like a round omelet. I pop mine into a 350 oven to finish cooking, so i can move on to other things
remove from pan, put on a plate and pop in fridge until you need it.
when ready to make the sandwich, toast a baguette, place a wedge of frittata on top and wrap. You can add more cheese or some bacon if you are so inclined. You can also add any of that to the frittata while you are cooking it.
Rich and Creamy Yogurt
2 cups non-fat plain yogurt
cheesecloth
strainer
bowl
vanilla
honey
apples for dipping
line the strainer with cheesecloth and place over a bowl. Pour in yogurt, tie up the cheeescloth with a bit of twine and place the whole contraption in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This will drain most of the moisture from the yogurt..making it thick like that expensive yogurt, but a lot cheaper. Add vanilla and honey to taste...or eat it plain with berries on top. I also use this like cream cheese. It is amazingly rich and delicious!
you can also make some Cocoa
just heat some milk in the microwave
stir and enjoy
Put it all in a fun container, a lunch pail, or a paper sack
and enjoy the parade
your stomach will thank you
