On Friday I'll be winging my way to the Mississippi and Florida Gulf Coast to spend two weeks with my relatives. That means I'll be leaving Upsie in Bob's care, which should be fine except for the fact that Upsie thinks I'm her personal assistant. So, we'll see what happens when she figures out that I'm not at the store buying her more cans of Pounce. Besides mentally packing my suitcase, I've been trying to stash meals in the freezer for Bob to eat while I'm gone. He's a very capable person, irons clothes beautifully and cleans the house much better than me. But, he can't cook. Left to his own devices, he'll live off of cereal or frozen ravioli for weeks. He's an adult and two weeks of ravioli won't kill him. I have to admit it bothers me that the stuff he buys is so mediocre. So, I've been making enchiladas and stews and such. Nothing exciting, but a heck of a lot better than the ravioli from the store. Most of our meals have been very simple these last few days. On Saturday I used the balsamic-glazed red onions left over from the pan fried fish and parsnips. The onions are a great way to dress up an ordinary dish. I used them on a bratwurst sandwich, perfect with the sweetly acidic onions.
One thing I like to make in bulk is enchiladas. The recipe isn't traditional at all, but it's served us well for those moments when I don't want to cook. I fill them with anything that seems like a good idea at the time. Here I used sauteed onions, squash, black beans, cooked red potatoes, cilantro, and smoked gouda, which I rolled up into a flour tortilla heated on a dry skillet.
Then they're stashed in the freezer, ready to be taken out, covered with salsa, and baked until done. Although they don't look very glamorous, they taste good.
I love the idea of making enchiladas with lots of varied ingredients. I could do this with low carb tortillas!!
Posted by: kalyn | June 14, 2006 at 06:02 AM
mmm... these look great! Have a wonderful time on vacation, and I'm sure Upsie will miss you desperately!
Posted by: Kristi | June 14, 2006 at 07:24 AM
Sher,
oh what a juicy bratwurst!!!!!! Agree, this glazed onion goes very well with sausage. And I've learnt the frozen food idea from you.
Have a great vacation!
Posted by: gattina | June 14, 2006 at 08:41 AM
Have fun on your trip! It sure looks like hubby is going to be nicely stocked up during your absence!
Posted by: s'kat | June 14, 2006 at 09:07 AM
Oh, that brat! Now THAT'S what I call a sandwich! Beautiful. Have a great time on your trip. And think how much more Upsie will appreciate you when you get back.
Posted by: Lisa | June 14, 2006 at 10:02 AM
SHERRY EVERYTHING YOU MAKE LOOKS SO GOOD
I HOPE YOU DON'T EXPECT TO GET SUCH FANCY MEALS IN THE DINING ROOM HERE OR AT APT 305. I USED TO COOK A LOT MORE BEFORE I MOVED IN AT JKV.
DON'T WORRY, WE HAVE NUMEROUS RESTAURANTS TO PICK
FROM INCLUDNG SWEET TOMATOES AND HOPS - THEY GIVE YOU TWO GLASSES OF WINE FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!!!
Posted by: Bunty | June 14, 2006 at 01:23 PM
Hi Sher ! I could really bite into this hotdog :).
Meanwhile, I have tagged you for a meme. Check out my blog. Hope you can write it before you leave for your vacation. Have fun !
-Sonali
Posted by: Sonali | June 14, 2006 at 04:25 PM
Have a great vacation but man, are we gonna miss you for two weeks!
Posted by: Shannon | June 14, 2006 at 04:54 PM
Sher,
Have a great trip, I'm leaving the laptop at home..one less thing to cart around. My train is at 5:30 in the morning and I'm still not packed!
Posted by: steven | June 14, 2006 at 06:42 PM
Kalyn,
Yes, they work very well with low carb tortillas. And you can bake a few at a time or use them for a large pan of enchiladas.
Kristi,
Upsie has been acting very weird all day, so I think she knows something is up!
Gattina,
Yes, the glazed onions are very good with the brat. I'm really looking forward to your recipe!
s'kat,
Yes, I think Bob won't have to resort to ravioli everyday!
Lisa,
Yes, I do think Upsie will be very happy to see me come back--and so will Bob. Upsie is very vocal when she's unhappy. I predict she'll drive him crazy!
Bunty, (my mother-in-law)
We're going to have a great time and we don't have to cook!
Sonali,
I'm taking my laptop and hope to post while I'm away--so I can do the meme then! Thanks.
Shannon,
Thank you! I knew I would miss all of you--so I'm taking a lap top! By the way, when I come back, I'm going to do a recipe archive like you suggested.
Steven,
I hope you have some fun and not too much work! I hope the bugs in our garden don't suspect that we are gone and try to take advantage of the situation.
Posted by: sher | June 14, 2006 at 10:32 PM
Hey Sher,
I just discovered your great site!! I love enchiladas, brilliant fast food. Tortillas are such a versatile ingredient I always have them in my larder. Keep those great recipes, ideas and pics coming!
Posted by: Pamela | June 15, 2006 at 06:28 AM
Have a fun & safe trip!
Posted by: Karina | June 15, 2006 at 06:48 AM
Looks really good .. Amazing pics ..
./thanks
ilaiy
Posted by: ilaiy | June 15, 2006 at 07:24 AM
mmmm, your blog *always* makes me so hungry. enchiladas look delish! for reasons unknown, i unintentionally shun the tortilla. thx for the reminder, i'm inspired, tonight it's on :)
rubs to Upsie. i heart upsie!
Posted by: aria | June 15, 2006 at 11:20 AM
I've never thought of freezing enchiladas that way. What an excellent idea!
Posted by: Julie | June 15, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Pamela,
I firmly believe in the idea of wrapping food up in a tortilla or a crepe or a pasta shell!
Karina,
Thanks!!!
Ilaiy,
Thank you too--and I love your name.
Aria,
I think you and tortillas may be soul mates--you never know! Upsie is very sad right now.
Julie,
Thank you. I think they freeze better without sauce--they're not soggy after they defrost.
Posted by: sher | June 16, 2006 at 12:00 AM