MINNESOTA: THE BLEAK AND FORBIDDING ZONE

This is something I should know by now: do NOT scope out the profiles of odious people. Yet I will continue to do so, as it's instructive and precautionary. Case in point: the person in question is a Republican, conspiracist, Christian, middle aged, and lives in Minnesota. Probably one of the most repulsive people it has been my pleasure to not meet.

Much like a local politician who has gone all batshit crazy religious nut since Donald Trump wasn't sworn in a second time, and believes that it will yet happen, now repent all you liberal anti-religion abortion supporters!

To quote Ernie: "No Bert, you stupid asshole, there was no storm, there was no kraken. You donated to a conman's grift, and followed his orders. Now you have no money, no job, the conman called you a terrorist on teevee, and the FBI is at the door. Frankly, I hope they put you in front of a firing squad. It was treason, Bert. It was fucking treason."

And it's cold. Feels like Christian Minnesota.


If I had tater tots, ground beef, and canned cream of mushroom soup in the house, I'd make Minnesota Hot Dish to keep warm. It's that kind of weather. Minnesota Hot Dish is their version of Lutefisk at church suppers, because they're too miserable to import proper gluey seafood from the homeland. There is no vegan version.


HOT DISH

One Lbs ground beef.
One chopped onion.
A pinch of salt.
One can 10¾ ounces cream of mushroom soup.
Half a cup milk or half and half.
One Lbs package frozen Tater Tots.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brown ground beef, onion and salt in a skillet over medium heat while stirring. Spread mixture in a buttered baking dish.
Open the can of soup, mix with the milk, and smoosh over ground beef. Layer Tater Tots over that, pressing down slightly.
Bake for half an hour.


Some people add cheese to this, others add frozen corn. Both of those are overkill. But bacon, a generous pinch of nutmeg, plus a walloping sploodge of Sriracha hotsauce, would not be amiss. Optionally, sprinkle some paprika over it before sticking it in the oven.
A side of vegetables is also a good idea; prevents constipation.

Serve with a plate of rice to make it all a meal.

Just imagine you're in Minnesota.
Don't ever go there.

It's like Canada, without the excitement.
And known for food on a stick.




==========================================================================
NOTE: Readers may contact me directly:
LETTER BOX.
All correspondence will be kept in confidence.
==========================================================================