I am well aware that I am getting grumpy and de-focused as the pandemic crisis plods on. But sister Erin, after critiquing yesterday’s post, felt moved to come down particularly hard on my deteriorating attitude to life. So I’m going to try to find happy post ideas for at least the next week…
Kraft’s Tomato Sauce based Tortilla Casserole: A great starting place for a new
go-to dish customized to please your family as the COVID-19 lock down plods on…
Okay… Let’s give this thing a try…
When I went looking for ‘positive-vibe’ post ideas, I didn’t have to look far. It all started when I signed up for the Pumpkin Spice KD give-away lottery a few weeks ago, (I did not win one of the limited-edition ‘kits’. *SIGH*) But I did click on something, and ended up signing up for daily menu and recipe idea e-mails from Kraft/Heinz without realizing it. Actually, I don’t mind receiving the menu suggestions. At the very least, I am getting a window on another daily blogger’s (a whole team’s, actually) and I’ve just realized that the Kraft folks occasionally have some pretty good ideas.
For Instance:
I decided, sight unseen, to look at this week’s Thursday Night Supper recipe with a view toward actually making it tonight. The “Dish Of The Day” is a lovely looking Layered Vegetable Tortilla Casserole that really appeals, at least on the basis of the ‘official’ portrait’ photo. (See above.)
The Veggies involved are simple and familiar to all who may partake: onions, red potatoes, zucchini, frozen corn kernels. But I’d add some green or red sweet peppers, or some hot peppers (hotter than the canned Chipotles called for) to amplify the Tex-Men character of the dish your choice, of course.
Since it is Kraft/Heinz providing the recipe, it’s not surprising to find a passel of their products involved, as well: Classico Riserva Marinara Pasta Sauce, Philadelphia Light Brick Cream Cheese Spread, 2 cups shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend. No too much blatant Kraft stuff there; at least, not enough to make the average person suspect that the recipe is just an excuse to sell Kraft stuff!
I’m often tempted to add some meat to a vegetarian recipe like this, just to make it heartier and more appealing to the average diner in my sphere of acquaintance. But this one really doesn’t need it!.
Overall, it’s easy, quick and pretty much fool-proof.
My take
Check out my featured recipe for a superficially very similar Tortilla Casserole dish that relies on a Cheese Sauce base rather than a Tomato Sauce motif (see picture, top of page). Just goes to show how much variety you can find/make in a simple ‘peasant’ casserole dish!
Of course, you can enhance the basic recipe as much or as little as you want, to suit the needs and desires of your family. And sides are entirely for you to select. Leftovers? You could add that meat I mentioned, above, to make this more like a traditional Breakfast Bake casserole a day or so down the road. Or spoon a few glops of it into a fresh, warmed Flour Tortilla to create a quick breakfast or lunch Burrito…
What’s next?
I’m panning to go exploring on the net and see what sorts of variations I can find for Mac and Cheese and Beanie-Weenies. That’s just a start. Any requests?
~ Maggie J.