Self-Perception Vs. Reality

It's interesting how our perception of ourselves at times differs greatly from how others see us. I've learned that lesson more than once, but this Christmas it was driven home yet again.

Please don't mistake this for bragging, but I worked my way up from an entry-level position (basically, the mail room) to an upper management position with a large international bank. After parting ways with the corporate world I went back to school and picked up a PhD, then became a college professor. But do my friends and family view me as a successful executive? A learned academic?

Noooo...

Based on my Christmas presents, they evidently see me as a good ol' boy.

I got ammunition, a new chain saw, and membership in a Bacon of the Month club.

Not that I'm complaining. I'm happier with those gifts than with a new shirt and tie, or a new briefcase. But it was eye-opening...

Speaking of bacon, I previously posted about a bacon-studded ground pork sausage product. I ended up using it to make ridiculously easy, but delicious, sausage and cheese muffins.

There weren't any leftovers.

Sausage Mixture

1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage, crumbled
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or 3 treaspoons dried sage)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

Baking Mixture

3/4 cup Bisquick mix
3/4 cup milk
3 eggs

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.

Cook sausage and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until sausage is no longer pink. Drain and stir in sage and cheese.

Stir the baking mixture ingredients together in a bowl. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the baking mixture into each muffin cup. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture. Top off with another generous tablespoon of the baking mixture.

Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and tops of muffins are golden brown. Cool 5-10 minutes and serve.

Like most recipes, this is a general outline. You can customize as you see fit. For example, I've added chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and/or garlic, used different cheeses (try a combination of Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan, or maybe Ricotta or cream cheese), etc. You can also brush the tops with melted butter (or melted garlic butter), salsa, or the topping of your choice.

The basic units are 1/4 cup Bisquick mix, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 egg. As noted above, 3 times this basic formula (3/4 cup Bisquick mix, 3/4 cup milk, and 3 eggs) along with 1 pound of sausage is just about right for a dozen 1-inch deep muffin cups. Adjust as needed.

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