Good morning folks. Great to see so many happy, smiling…
Who am I shittin’? I can’t actually “see” any of you but you know what I mean.
A few weeks back we were shooting the shit in the comment section, as we are wont to do, when we came up with a food inspiration. As I’ve said in the past I’ll take inspiration wherever I can find it. In this case it was a bunch of us making jokes and riffing on various casseroles we encountered when we were younger.
Tuna casserole was mentioned and that’s the shit we’re going to make today.
Once again, I do tend to rag on my Ma once in awhile because goddamn did she take shortcuts when she cooked but at the end of the day the meals she put down in front of the unfillable gullets of my 3 older brothers and I were meals that were always tasty and, believe me, always consumed with never a leftover in sight.
She was a working mom and did the best she could. I’ll say it again, we NEVER had fast food or takeout food during the week. Never. She cooked and put down a hot plate in front of us every Sunday through Thursday night and most Fridays and Saturdays too. Not only is that admirable it’s practically fucking legendary.
Thanks again, Ma!
I tried to be as authentic as possible to my family’s version of tuna casserole but of course I have to offer my own tweaks and taste embellishments here and there but you’re definitely going to get the old school casserole that comes about by opening a shitload of cans, dumping in some frozen crap and adding some things that came out of a bag.
I also wanted to experiment a bit today and possibly find a way to reduce the overall labor required to make a delicious meal.
Let’s see if we can make some garlic bread from some of my leftover French bread that was frozen!
Kick ass.
In the name of honesty I’ve got to tell you that a big reason I took the easy route today was that last week’s recipe? The Chicken Paprikash? While that stuff was stupid delicious, it kicked my ass pretty hard when it came to the labor. Shit, all that time making bread THEN making homemade noodles?
Motherfucker I was wiped out and hadn’t even STARTED on the main dish. Don’t stress over this, I don’t quit easy it’s just that every once in awhile having a “recovery” menu of something that’s easy to put together is just the right medicine to get my old ass over the hump and get me back in the kitchen ready to kick ass again.
Fuck it. Let’s make a tuna casserole!
Last caveat: there are as many various ingredients and preparations of tuna casserole as there are people who make it. This one is my family’s version. Feel free to share your variations in the comment section.
We begin the proceedings.
Gather the usual suspects.
There was a bag or so of shredded cheese that didn’t get in this photo but these are the basics. Can of mushrooms, 2 cans of tuna, some cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas and some egg noodles.
As a complete aside, the same day I made this I made another batch of chicken stock. This time based solely on having some leftover celery. Still not sure why I documented it but what the fuck?
You won’t get to see its use since I made a pot of carnitas with it when my family came over for a gathering on Memorial Day Weekend.
One of the sole reasons I wanted to make this dish today is to allow me to show off this badass motherfucker again.
Break out the old school badassery!
Isn’t that just goddamn SWEET? I love that goddamn casserole dish so very fucking much.
Yes, I’ve brought it to company pot lucks just to show it off.
Let’s get our oven pre-heated to 425.
Get a good lube of oil on that casserole dish. It’s OK she won’t mind.
This could also be called “Can Opener Appreciation Day.”
Mushrooms first!
Of course you could use a jar of mushrooms or, (gulp) even FRESH mushrooms but this is how Ma did it and that was the whole fucking point today.
We are going to boil our store bought fucking egg noodles. I learned my lesson last week when I made fresh noodles.
Those fuckers were delicious though.
Dump about half of that bag of noodles into a pot of salted, boiling water.
It’s tuna time!
Two cans. A solid white albacore and a chunk light tuna for all of its tuna essence-ness.
Had a fun conversation at work with some of my employees regarding the different types of canned tuna. One of my guys who had a less than privileged upbringing says he only eats the solid white albacore now because his mom only gave him the “chunk lite” variety growing up.
He said “I call that chunk lite shit ‘tuna ass.'”
That’s the type of nickname that can stick with a product for life.
The casserole needs to be stepped up in the “healthy” department. Drop the peas in there. About half of a cup to a cup. Make it as “healthy” as you like.
Appearance at this juncture is not a selling point.
We just got started man!
It gets better!
Mix in the cooked noodles, the cream of mushroom soup and a handful of the shredded cheese. I used a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and the 4 cheese Mexican blend. Oh yeah, I added in about half a soup can of whole milk too. Give it a proper mixing. That’s where the flavor comes from!
Cover the entire top surface with the rest of the shredded cheese.
If you look very carefully you will see one of my flavor embellishments right on top.
Right here is where I use my only attempt at fancy-fication. I grated some fresh Parmigiano Reggiano on there.
Debate time. There are many ways and many techniques to finish topping the casserole. I know some who use panko or buttered panko. A nice touch indeed. Some folks use that box of sand that’s called “Italian Breadcrumbs” what-the-fuck-ever. Some use those crispy fried onion dealies that most people top their green bean casserole with.
Me?
Plain old Lays Classic chips.
Shout out to Frito Lay for having the retro old school bag going there.
Crunch ’em up using your hands and scatter evenly over the casserole.
Like so.
See? It’s starting to look better no?
NO!?
Just give it some oven time and you’ll see.
Of course you’re going to be shoveling potato chips in your gob while you do this shit.
That’s totally fine!
Into a pre-heated 425 degree oven for 20 minutes until all bubbly and shit.
There we go!
Sorry, but that’s about as sexy as this fucker is going to get.
At this time I left the oven going and prepped some garlic bread using my leftover homemade French bread that I had frozen. Just use some melted butter and garlic powder. If I’m feeling inspired I’ll mince in some fresh garlic and maybe another grate of the Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
This was the basic version since I wasn’t sure how it would turn out after being in the freezer for a week. Also isn’t it obvious that “basic” is the order of the day?
We will now plate our masterpiece. Let’s see how our garlic bread turned out.
Oh shit! It looks perfect! We did it! We made delicious garlic bread with our leftover homemade French Bread.
See what I did there? Using the red plate to match my badass red casserole dish?
I try, dammit.
Get in close on that casserole why don’tcha?
It’s simply fucking divine!
Got that creamy thing going from the melted cheese and the mushroom soup. That crispy crunch of the chips on top. The tuna is more of an accompaniment than a lead note but its slightly meaty/briny texture is prevalent. Rich and satisfying with the egg noodles.
You just know you could eat like 3-4 plates of this bastard don’t you?
Well I did and I’m fiercely proud of it!
This was a fantastic throw back and it tasted exactly like Ma’s used to.
You know what else?
It could absolutely be brought over to comfort a grieving family.
I love that photo.
That’s from another casserole dish from 2018.
This would be extremely appropriate for such an occasion, or again a pot luck and such.
It’s important to remember the past and it’s also comforting to have good food memories. Ma has been gone since 2003 but when I cook something like this it brings her memory back a bit.
And that’s a nice thing.
Thanks for reading folks and thanks for allowing me a little break.
I’ll be back and rested and ready to kick some culinary ass next week. I promise.
Stop by and I’ll prove it to you.
Until then…
Be Safe.
Be Well.
PEACE!
[…] last week’s easy breazy meal of Tuna Casserole – and it was delicious too wasn’t it – I’m getting back to the good […]
SUNS vs Clippers is HOT & ROCKING!!!
Goooo SUNS!!!
Venezuela vs Ecuador, aka “Who Produces The Best Cocaine” Bowl.
Ma used to dump a butt load of Kraft “parmesan cheese” over the top.
She was classy like that.
Crushed Ritz crackers are a nice topping, too.
I’mma try that.
COPA AMÉRICA ON UNIVISION!
I see we’re onto the flopping portion of today’s sporting contests.
Haven’t seen so many flops since the nude beach scene in Eurotrip.
I’d like to see how these guys react to a hangnail.
Oh yeah Happy Father’s Day to you dads out there. I’ve already talked with both of my girls and had a fun conversation with littlest right. Makes the heart feel good.
Plus I’m going to Legoland on July 2nd for littlest right’s 5th birthday.
Hopefully Low Commander and I can quaff a few malted barley beverages the night before.
Same to you! I’m gonna grill food and watch sports, which seems like a normal Sunday, because it is.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2se6zuGtTU
I’d like to see a preview for a reality show where the faux celebrity judges don’t have their arms crossed in some sort of accusatory/judgmental fashion.
There’s probably still time to run down to the farmer’s market and get some vegetables. If I inform the Dr. Mrs. of this fact, she’ll think it’s a good idea.
[makes self scarce]
Strawberries have been fantastic lately. Try some.
I am in the midst of a fruit-eating stunt that I’ll actually be writing up for Request Line, so strawberries won’t be happening for a while.
One of the ways I amuse myself at the store is watching what other people buy. Woman in front of me today, probably 80 years or so, bought a loaf of white bread, 4 packs of Jello pudding and 14 bottles of Powerade.
That’s probably the groceries for the week.
80’s a pretty ripe old age. Clearly that combination is working for her.
I was amazed. She seemed perfectly healthy too.
That’s probably the groceries for the week
For the sex slave in the basement? Yes, I agree.
Ha ha, fuck you Phoenix! 106 degrees. Fuck you, Vegas! 110 degrees.
This might be the first Sunday gravy i have no interest in trying.
Not because it’s a casserole but because i hate tuna.
“You what, now?”
Did you have too much tuna as a kidling?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgJ4KbVmuIE&ab_channel=ColinMackintosh
It’s cool. This is more of a nostalgia thing for me. I guess the hot tuna thing is a legitimate dislike. My second in charge at work thinks the same way.
I never had tuna casserole as a kid. Many other casseroles, sure. But I want to try this out. Casseroles are the perfect meal. One dish, cheap, cheese.
I’m with you but I realize it’s a me problem.
I also hate curry and therefore all Indian food (except maize, which we call corn).
Hot take: I can’t stand any fish or seafood.
When I was younger I wasn’t a huge seafood fan but more than grew into it with age. A perfectly grilled piece of halibut or a nice bit of smoked salmon can be life altering.
Strange take: my parents didn’t do tuna casserole, so indifferent on this recipe. Not the biggest tuna person, just never think to get it, and don’t have any tuna in the house
This Italian team looks really, really good.
-Mussolini, looking over The Blackshirts just before The March on Rome
Andy Reid, looking over the deli case
STATUS!
Stjarnan (ISL) – Bet GOOD
Valur (ISL) – Bet PURGATORY
Brann (NOR) – Bet FUCK OFF
My guess is that you can get ridiculous odds for Wales scoring on Italy in the 2nd.
“Prediction for the 2nd half? Italy will continue their strategy of ‘boxing clever’.”
-Guest announcers Placebo
“Placebo? That band sucks! Sucks so hard.”
-Hippo
good Pure Morning humoUr
And Hippo knows purity!
One of the funny things to me is that the 3 is not only smaller quantitatively but also in physical size as printed and there number of digits. So there is no real excuse, other than the rainbow of course.
Shaquiri reminds me of every guy I’ve run across that had “Small Man Syndrome”.
As opposed to Shakira, who reminds me of every girl I’ve run across that had “Honest Hips Syndrome”.
Swiss 2 : 0 Tutkey
GOOD
Been a fun torneo for our Armenian contingent!!
Hey, I’m also Italian on Madre Weaselo’s side, so it’s a double!
The Turks have been trash this tourney.
Were they expected to do okay?
At least be competitive.
If they can keep the scoreline at 2-0 that would be great
/Took under 2.5 and Bale to score
Andy Reid on the cheese to meat ratio
Look like Hippo’s already having a great day.
https://twitter.com/peterkoltak/status/1406280055085481984?s=21
Wishing ah had bet on them Woppers, but at least ain’t bet against em…
Very pretty free kick.
The Italians are a wagon. 10 games without conceding, that is crazy.
Oof! Well-performed free kick by Italy-I think it was Don T’s weed.
Why the hell are they playing this game in Azerbaijan?
Testing the oil pipeline with human trafficking
Money of course!
Kyrgyzstan is closed on Sundays.
Because the Armenians are all in church.
More like Azer-WHY-jan, amirite?
This Italy team is a joy to watch.
Is it the weed, or a twisted nightmare?
“Seven Italians in the box” would probably be too much, even for Cicciolina.
“Take the Italians… leave the Cannolis”
Waaay tame.
-Jeff Koons
Got my priorities straight: rooting for Wales, having caprese salad
Are there any particularly interesting scenarios based on today’s results?
Switzerland putting seven past Turkey, Kurdistan declares independence.
For a country full of opera singers, the Italian team sure sounds like dog shit.
As tribute to their opponents, they are wailing.
Taking a page out of scotchy’s book, went for a jog today. Jog is still too fast for what my pace was but not sure what else to call it. Did about 4 miles.
Was nawt passed by an old shirtless dude in work boots. Anyone I did see was going in the other direction and was out on streets not on a track.
I don’t know if this will be a good game, but Swiss and Turkey sounds like a good sandwich to me.
“Italian Whale sounds like a good one to us.” – Japanese fishermen
That is the worst sounding national anthem I have ever heard for lyrics.
Eighteen consonants & one vowel makes for a very guttural song.
So, the only national anthem written to be hummed.
Or farted.
Due to the Euros I’ve completely forgotten about the US Open, which I usually watch ’cause there’s nothing on.
Is there anything I should know about this supposed feud between two golfers? Is there quality humor to be found, or is it just tiresome douchebaggery and/or an act to boost their social media presence?
I’ve no clue. There, you’re all caught up.
I honestly think they got together and are doing it in tandem. Both guys are young and both of them are kind of buff. Brooks Koepke was the original dude in the weight room I can rip this driver golf guy, Then Bryson Dechambeaux decides to out muscle milk him. That’s about it.
Like Samuel L. Jackson, I too never joke about hot cheese.
“Is a hot dog a sandwich” is a tired topic. So instead I ask:
Is a lasagna a casserole?
Abso goddamn lutely!
I think that’s sort of the answer to balls’ question below. The best “casseroles” get other names: lasagna, shepherd’s pie, (and yes, maybe deep dish pizza!). So the category tends to get a bad rep because only the simplest dishes, often made from canned or frozen ingredients, are actually called casseroles.
A better question is: is deep dish pizza a casserole?
It’s a burrito.
I would think it was more of a tostada than a burrito.
It is a savory pie, it is pie shaped, has a crust and a filling.
If deep dish is casserole then all pizzas are casseroles. Exact same ingredients just a different construct.
Is layer cake a casserole or just a good movie? Also, can a movie be a sandwich?
I’ve never understood the bringing a casserole to a grieving family thing. Is that why casseroles are not very popular? Because they remind people of death? Or is it a chicken and egg thing where people baked up shitty casseroles for dead people they didn’t like?
Like a post-mortem Bless Your Heart type of deal?
I never really understood it either but we were the unfortunate recipients of the “Grief Line” when I was a kid and my little brother died. The entire neighborhood brought shit over. There was a literal line of people with food in their hands and I never forgot it.
A fun thing to do in that situation would be to earnestly tell each person “Oh, thank you so much. This was his favorite. He would have loved this.”
Usually they are easy to store or freeze, giving the grief stricken an easy to cook meal while they deal with all the bullshit inherent in dealing with the aftermath such as the viewing or the funeral. Maybe it started with the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva where the family is supposed to sit and greet others. People brought food to help out and have something to eat while they sat as well. Gentiles saw the food being brought and thought to themselves, how can we get in on all this free food.
LOL
https://twitter.com/WentRogue/status/1406267909496786946
To paraphrase Al Czervik, “golf courses and cemeteries, the biggest wasters of prime real estate ever.”
He might approve of this, though…
Are we going to get a separate thread for Euroball today or will this serve? I want to put my futbol takes in the correct place.
Here, I think. Someone will gently herd us along if a new thread goes up.
FYI, we’ve got simultaneous games in an hour. You can watch on 2 screens on ESPN and ESPN2.
Why the heck would they play two games at the same time? That’s crazy.
I’ll probably be able to keep up with both just using the Previous Channel button.
So the final games of pool play are competitive. Can’t fuck around if your through before your final game and the points don’t matter
I’ll buy that. I’ve suffered through plenty of meaningless NFL last-day-of-the-season games over the years.
No disrespect intended, but tuna casserole is one of the few foods that has literally activated my gag reflex.
My mom was a pretty good cook, learned from her mom, actually at 81 still is. But she grew up with 3 other siblings in the ’40’s and ’50’s, and even though my grandad was a well-paid tool and die maker, my Nana had to make the food budget stretch. As a result, my mom was the queen of the casseroles and meatloafs that I learned to hate growing up.
I always cooked a lot since I moved out of the dorms in college, but for a good chunk of those years it was not terribly sophisticated cooking. Tuna casserole was one of my staples, using a recipe that also called for potato chips as topping.
I actually think it tastes fine. The main reason I don’t make it any more is that it’s not particularly healthy, but not tasty enough to qualify as an unhealthy indulgence.
For college students with access to a stove and pans, they now have Chicken Helper, Tuna Helper, and Hamburger Helper, in literally dozens of flavour types. It’s unbelievable.
https://www.bettycrocker.com/products/helper