Refrigerator Cowgirl

I may not be able to rope and wrangle, when I dance I step all over them cowboy's boots, and my fashion sense is none too popular 'round here - but I tell you, when it comes to looking in the fridge and pulling together something tasty for dinner - that is my gift!

I remember back to all those years of grumbles about leftover night at the Ray/Macnak abode, (but mom, what were they BEFORE they were leftovers?!) when my brother and I would have to buck up and face the meals of the past week stirred together in the most unlikely of preparations.. But you know what, it really did prepare me for this experience we call life!

The week before Christmas I watched as my bank account, credit line, and gas tank all puttered to empty while by some stroke of dumb luck, my pantry was well stocked with dry goods! Today - four weeks later - while I haven't had time to grocery shop yet, financial aid is finally in my bank account and I can look back and examine what I have accomplished. For example, I did not starve, beg, or steal. That's pretty good, eh! Ok, so I came up with some pretty good dishes too. Combinations of leftovers, free food given to me by my last rotation, and really cheap staple foods (onions, potatoes..).

For example, tonight's meal was all of these aforementioned things and was still delicious, nutritious, and well balanced!

Recipe for Po' Girl Slop

1/2 red onion

2 Tbsp butter

1/2 - 1 cup leftover herbed brown rice (cooked in chicken broth)

1/4 head of lettuce, shredded

1/2 avocado*, sliced

1/8 dressing of choice (mixture of olive oil, vinegars, soy sauce, mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic)

Saute the onion in the butter on low heat until browned. Add leftover rice and heat through. Prepare shredded lettuce on a plate. Top with onion and rice mixture. Arrange avocado slices on top. Drizzle with dressing. Enjoy!

*Sorry Alaskans, but in Texas I can count avocados as "cheap staples" (please don't cry).

Now, if I can work this skill of mine into my career someday that would be pretty cool. Imagine if you will: me coming over to your house, rummaging through your fridge and pantry, and coming up with a yummy meal all the while sharing with you the magic of making food out of "nothing". Yeah.. I can see it..