Because it really is personal…

Those of you who know me in real life know that I am a purist where food is concerned. I use fresh vegetables, occasionally frozen, but never canned unless it’s tomatoes. I prefer whole wheat bread over white, and real butter over margarine. I’ve never met a complicated recipe I didn’t like.

However…

I really, really like Tropical Punch Koolaid.

I like lemon jello.

I LOVE Oreos.

See, 20 years ago, when Sweet Daddio and I were just starting out, money was tight. I simply could not justify spending the money on something that wasn’t absolutely nutritious. There just wasn’t room in the budget for chocolate pudding, red koolaid, or yellow jellow. That sensibility has carried on these many years, and I still balk at buying something that won’t give me any nutritional bang for my buck.

Even tho, if I wanted to, I could go out right now and buy Oreos and jello, and the budget wouldn’t be impacted at all. I admit, however, to indulging by purchasing those little cans of mandarin oranges. So good with cottage cheese! I feel guilt when I do it.

Fortunately (maybe, maybe not) you can get this sugar free drink mix, so when I drink 2 quarts of Froot Punch I’m not drinking 2 cups of sugar. It is entirely and without reservation, Artificial. NO nutritional value beyond the hydration properties of the water in it. It is a scarlet red, shirt staining completely fake drink…that I love. Yum.

I’m also fond of instant mashed potatoes. Everyone here loves them, and I’m all “why the heck should I go through the effort?” when pondering Real or Instant potatoes. They can be dolled up beyond recognition with cheese, or sour cream, or bacon, garlic, seasoning salt, whatever. Heat a pot of milk and water, dump in something that probably looks like manna, and there you are. No peeling, mashing, or other culinary calisthenics.

My favorite instant mashed potato recipe is this (we’re having it for supper tonight):
Shepherds Pie

1 pound ground beef, browned
2 packages brown gravy mix, mixed with 2 cups water
2 cans french style green beans (yeah, I know, canned, but I’m still in Convenience Mode)
2 teaspoons dried oregano

Mix all this together and put it in a casserole dish.

Then make the topping:
2 cups water
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
However much instant mashed potatoes it takes to make it thick…Im guessing 3 cups, but I never measure, I just dump

Put the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and the potatoes start to brown.