Reinventing a Holiday Tradition

Every year my mother-in-law (who, I must say, is a fabulous conscientious and healthy cook) makes a traditional family breakfast on December 26 called “The Wifesaver” – a medley of ham, cheese, white bread, and diced green and red peppers all layered (like lasagna) and baked with Corn Flakes sprinkled on top. And this year was no different.

The first time I ate it (reluctantly, I might add), I suffered from severe cramping about three hours later, a result of the combination of cheese and white bread – ingredients that don’t often visit my digestive system (I picked out the ham). Mom-in-law graciously prepares a ham-free portion for me every year now, but she hasn’t shifted away from the white bread or Corn Flakes.

This year, as I helped myself to a second serving (now that I’ve had it a few times, it’s actually quite tasty), I was thinking as I do every year about how I would reinvent the Wifesaver recipe without venturing too far from tradition. Firstly, the white bread has got to go. It would easy enough to replace with whole wheat, spelt or kamut slices. The meat, if I elected to include it, would absolutely have to be nitrite-free, and I’d add even more green and red peppers, perhaps even a little white onion. Organic cheese (less of it) and cereal flakes made from any of the many wonderful organic whole grain cereals sold at a health food store would top the dish. I’m confident that my substitutions will taste just as good, and to prove it, I think next year I’ll try my hand at the Wifesaver. Once the family tastes the healthier version of the recipe, they’ll be hooked... right?