I Don’t Care Whether Hashbrown Casserole Goes With Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup or Lasgna

Written by, Audrey Dawn

Preparing meals for my family has always been a priority in my life. I started learning how to cook for my father and three siblings during my sixth grade year of elementary school. As each day passed, I got a little bit better at cooking what everyone loved. I finally feel like I’ve gotten a bunch of my Midwestern culinary staples perfected after years of practice. There are often times I crave eating them, so off to make them I’ll happily go minding my own business. Why can it never be that easy?

There has been a comic on the side of our refrigerator for a few years now:

So yes, we sometimes have to eat leftovers at our house. Eating leftovers can be quite normal. I grew up hearing about starving children, only taking what we agree to eat, and fighting the idea of how clearing our plate was our duty. In our home, when we have leftovers, I try to convince the hungry people to try them, even if only one of us is willing to do so. Last night was the elusive leftover night. I’d caught it and was putting it into play.

Within the fridge I had Sunday’s homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, because someone is sick in our house. I also had Monday night’s Famous Lasagna from scratch to offer, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough to fill a busy stomach. With these two half eaten treasures as my family’s only options, I chose to prepare a hashbrown casserole to help sell the deal. Unfortunately, in this home, casseroles are frowned upon by a certain young man who prefers his food distinguishable. One down, two to go…

It doesn’t matter why I chose to make it! I made it. The better question should have been, “Why not sooner?!”

Hip Hip Hooray!!

Hashbrown casserole is a comfort food of mine and a bit of comforting is what, at the very least, I can give myself. A certain strong willed and red headed little girl didn’t like the corn flakes, which I may or may not have chosen to include on the top. Two down, one to go…

You can imagine the eyes darting back and forth as my husband and children try to sum up their meal. Spin it family, let the wheel fall where it may, and eat what you get with a big dose of hashbrown casserole on the side. I didn’t stop for a second to consider whether or not it paired well with soup or Italian food. I’m crazy like that sometimes.

Long gone are the days depicted on the other comic kept on our refrigerator, but it is what it is, right? The sentiments made by Charlie Brown used to be all that mattered. What’s for lunch is up for discussion now instead of who’s coming to lunch… 😉 Can’t we all just go back to hanging on Charlie Brown’s every word?

Sally up with me folks, have a plateful this morning, as I once again find myself with some leftovers. I may also make you an egg, sunny side up, to go along with this and your coffee.

 Hashbrown Casserole