Kitchen Brain Farts

I have heard two of the TV cooks mutter similar advice. Frugal Gourmet and Jaques Pepin have said "There are no mistakes in the kitchen, just happy discoveries..." I call them brain farts since many times it's my screwed up brain that creates and solves the problems. Today I will share a few that turne out well. Remember the theory that a recipe is just a road map. If you buy a Rand McNally road map you have several ways to get from New York to Las Angeles...You choose your path.

I havre been told I need to eat more oatmeal. I like my oats thick and pasty. The Queen Goddess calls it wall paper paste in a bowl. I have tried many additive to enhance the meal in hopes of avoiding boredom. In the past I have almost always made my oats in the microwave using coffee in place of the water called for in the traditional recipe. It's an eye opening experience most mornings. This week I was preparing my supper casserole for the oven and had made seasoned beef broth. I was also preparing my breakfast/brunch bowl of oats. Yep you guessed it I made the oats with the seasoned beef broth instead of the water called for in the basic recipe on the box. WOW! It almost tastes like mashed potatoes and gravy.

A few years ago I needed a bar cookie for a pot luck. I intended to make Rice Krispy treats. When shopping I unconsciously bought Cheerios instead of Rice Krispies. Well as per normal with me I was behind the eight ball and had to re-act. I made the bar cookies with Cheerios and added a cup of raisins using the traditional Rice Krispy Treat recipe. They were a hit. I have tried other cereals too. Some work better than others... The grandkids really are excited about the one with Fruit Loops and dried cherries. Another happy discovery...

Once when making twice baked potatoes I had a major accident. I had scooped the potatoes and mashed the inside adding the other ingredients when the phone rang. When I had returned to my chore I found the dog had crawled up on the counter and ate my stuffing. I can only say it was Divine inspiration that I grabbed a box of instant potatoes. Mixed these in equal parts with hot chicken stock and French onion chip dip and pipped it into the awaiting potato skins and under the broiler. The company was none the wiser. This inspiration has also given me a potato casserole. Y'all should try it. Mix equal parts instant potatoes, hot chicken stock, and French onion chip dip, place in a greased casserole and under the broiler for a delicious potato casserole...another happy discovery.

Just remember there are no mistakes in the kitchen just happy discoveries that may change your cooking style and thinking. Mizpah ;-}}>