Ode to childhood or cultural faux pas? I give you: MISH MOSH... and APPLESAUCE!

"Criss Cross Applesauce!" --- for many of you, this phrase, alone, can take you back to a long ago time, fond childhood memories, the sweet-but-salty smell of play-doh, an imparting of a favorite Berenstain (seriously, that's how they spell it- can you believe that!?) Bears family lesson, the curious taste of paste, and the unmistakeable smell of fresh sawdust in the far corner of the classroom.  Ahhhhhhhh...

For others, like me.... NUTTIN'.  Absolutely nothing!

A few months ago for work, we observed some early childhood classrooms (what the less-fancy know as day care) as part of a project to develop a new, educational children's book for the campaign. Cool, huh?  It was, trust me. :)  Anyway, on two different occasions, the classroom teachers called out "Criss Cross Applesauce!" to which, all the children quickly gathered 'round, assembled "indian-style" in a nice little circle for storytime.  The first time it happened, I shirked it off, figuring it was just a one-off... then, in a different day care center in a different part of town.... AGAIN with the "Criss Cross Applesauce"!!  I couldn't believe it!  I had never ever heard that phrase in all my life, and apparently I was the only one who hadn't-- everyone in my group nodded, oh yeah, "Criss Cross Applesauce", as if it were as common as scoring two hail Mary's for penance for pushing someone in the recess yard (ok, a personal, but not great example). 

Alas, "Criss Cross Applesauce" is clearly some entree into a subculture I was robbed of as a child.  Freud would be proud- because I'll have to blame my stay-at-home mom for that one.  What was she thinking sacrificing her career and independence and robbing me of all that high-quality "out-of-home" care all those early years!?!?  (just kidding Mom, really!)

For my super Mama, who even flew down from PA to come take care of her 30 year old baby during my recent recovery, I offer:  MISH MOSH... and APPLESAUCE!!  :)  Thanks, Mom!


MISH MOSH... and APPLESAUCE!
Whatcha need to serve two with plenty of leftovers for lunch (or 4):
   -1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey),
   -1 half bag frozen "Potatoes O'Brien" (potato cubes with diced onion and pepper)--should be gluten free, but check the label just to be sure there is no hidden wheat.
   -1 half small bag frozen "vegetable soup mix" veggies (may include limas, green beans, peas, carrots, celery, corn and, if you buy in the South, okra. --Yankee friends: okra is just something else that we here in Dixieland like to deep fry)
   -About a 1/4 cup worchester sauce (check the label to be sure it's gluten free) and 1 tsp or so of black ground pepper or however much pleases you

1. In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef. As it is cooking, season with fresh ground black pepper and Worchestershire sauce (careful- some contain wheat!  I use French's brand, which is gluten free).  Drain the excess fat (not really necessary with lean beef or ground turkey).
2. Push the ground beef off to the side a bit then add the Potatoes O'Brien and the frozen veggies mix.
3. Mix all the ingredients in the frying pan well and cook over medium heat, covered for about 5 minutes (careful not to let it burn!).
4. Continue cooking over medium heat and stirring until the potato cubes and carrots are hot and tender.
5. Test it!  If you feel it needs more flavor, season with additional worchestershire or, my favorite, celery salt!  OR, you can serve it as is (in a large bowl, of course) but put out the celery salt, some hot sauce, worchestershire, or ketchup and see how the mood strikes you or your chow partner.  I would, however pick only ONE of the above condiments, or you might be in need of some fresh sawdust... if you get my drift.
6. BUT WAAAAAAAAAAIT!!!!  What's for dessert!?!?!?!  (a promise of which, I am told, is the only reason I ever choked down a meal as a child)....  APPLESAUCE!!  :)   Crack open your favorite jar of applesauce, (okay, add a little fresh ground cinnamon if you must, fancy-pants) and ENJOY!!!

(a little later on...)

So curiosity killed this cat.  I was so intrigue by the whole concept of "Criss Cross Applesauce" that I had no choice but to google it. Wow. According to Wiktionary I am in dire need of Cultural Competence training: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/criss-cross_applesauce  I apologize to any Indians I might have inadvertantly offended with my above description. I am apparently way out of touch.