I find that most people have a food that they identify with as that one comfort food they never really tire of (and let's face it, it's not usually health food!). For me, hashbrown casserole is near the top of that list. I admit there are ties for first place - fried green tomatoes, hashbrown casserole, a hot and spicy massaman curry, a fresh oyster Po' Boy, the list goes on and on and as the seasons come and go, the top of the list changes out with the foods of each season. But overall, hashbrown casserole is by far the easiest to make and is a no-brainer all year long.
While summer may feel too warm for a hashbrown casserole, it's really good in the morning warmed up for breakfast with a slice or three of fresh tomatoes that have been heavily salted and peppered. Throw an over-easy egg over top of the casserole and it becomes something I'd actually pay for in a restaurant as a main breakfast menu item. (I think that if you put hasbhrown casserole on a menu, it should never, ever be taken off; that'll anger the comfort-foodie mobs.)
As you can see, it was my craving when I woke up this morning, so in the wee, dark hours of the morning accompanied by Oliver and Lacey (cat and dog, respectively) and Christmas music and a mug of maple bourbon (flavor) coffee, I made a hashbrown casserole for tonight's supper. It's better re-heated, I think, rather than right out of the oven (but I'll eat it either way). It's oxygen, isn't it? Not the kind you breathe, obviously, but the metaphorical kind that gives you an extra-rich layer to life. The one percent wouldn't understand, I don't think. But the rest of us percenters, we get it. It's a hug, a pleasure, a feeling of being centered for those few moments that it lasts.
It's December 1st, and many of us are a tiny bit in shock. Where has 2021 gone? Halloween and Thanksgiving blew by, at least it seemed that way to me. Life does this every year, the holidays show up, and for some reason, I'm always amazed that they're here and then gone. You'd think after all these years of living that I'd realize that's actually a pretty normal year!
The plate pictured below has no great story behind it, just the fact that I bought these several years ago because the car pictured is kind of a dream car for me. I'm pretty confident that I'll never have this type of vehicle, but a girl can dream! I wouldn't want the tree, though, ha ha. A live Christmas tree looks and smells great, but you have to water it and vacuum up pine needles constantly. Plus, when you have the number of household four-leggeds that we have, putting up a live tree is just asking for trouble loud and clear. It would be stress rather than joy.
Plans are picking up as office parties and friend gatherings get closer with the turning of the calendar page. I hope you take time to slow down and enjoy something (maybe hashbrown casserole, just sayin') no matter how big or small it might be. As for me, I look forward to this evening with my loved one, our four-leggeds, the casserole and toasted Italian garlic bread, you know, the good and chewy kind that makes you want to finish the entire loaf in one setting.
I really think we should think of December as the dessert of each year, having weathered course after course of life each month with the movement of time. I think I'll make magic cookie bars in a week or two or maybe this weekend (heaven knows I don't really need to get started on those). Love to you on this first day in December of 2021. May it slow down at least a little bit so that we can savor the last month of 2021.
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