The Pre-Christmas Fridge and Freezer Clean: Part I

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

In case you hadn’t noticed, Christmas is only twelve days away.  This has two worrying consequences for me.  First, I’ve done exactly enough Christmas shopping to fill the “toe” of my wife’s stocking that is hanging by the chimney with care.  Second, our fridge needs to be completely disgorged if we have any hope of absorbing the leftovers that will be coming our way.  While I do love the good people of Bennett Compost, I have no wish to fill my compost bucket prematurely. 

First up were some sorry looking leeks and dinosaur (lacinato) kale from CSA.  After I sauteed the leeks in some butter, I added the kale (julienned into fine strips).  Once cooked, I mixed some cream, egg, and cheese.  I poured all of this into a homemade tart shell and baked into a surprising result. 

I say “surprising result” because I honestly had no idea how the kale would cook in a tart.  I’ve made tarts with spinach, but their tender leaves cook easily.  I suspect this recipe worked well for several reasons: one, dinosaur (lacinato) kale leaves are comparatively tender to begin with; two, I cut them into fine strips; three, I sauteed them with the leeks first.  Regardless, this dish quickly graduated from a desperate “fridge-clearer” to a first choice. 

Next up: Turkey Pot Pie.