Six months ago when I launched “Gourmet Everyday,” the idea was to retool my travel blog into a site devoted to gourmet food, legendary drinks, and epic travel.  I truly believe that everyone wants, deserves, and can have a gourmet life.  However, since school ended in early June, I’ve only posted updates from our trip to Ireland.  I haven’t done any “serious” cooking.

Then, last night while prepping for dinner, it dawned on me.  With the popularity of the “farm to table” movement, I’ve begun to understand that “Gourmet” is more of attitude and an insistence of quality and standards. “Gourmet” doesn’t have to mean extravagant or elaborate. “Gourmet” simply has to be homemade, creative, resourceful, and my favorite, created with love–love of life, love of family, love of cooking.

With my new-found  attitude, I approached tonight’s dinner with every intention of sharing a recipe that I normally would not have considered, because it’s simple…it’s quick…it’s ordinary…it’s just a casserole. (I LOVE Casseroles!–That should be on a t-shirt)

Sausage & Tater Tot Casserole

1 lb. ground breakfast sausage

1/2 bag frozen tater tots

2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 TBSP dried parsley

6 eggs

1 c. milk

Brown sausage in a skillet over high heat.  Drain any fat that may have cooked out. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, frozen tater tots, cheese, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and parsley.  Toss to combine.  In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.  Pour eggs over sausage mixture and stir to combine.  Pour mixture into a 9-10 inch deep dish pie plate or 8″ baking dish sprayed with non stick cooking spray.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Increase heat to 375 degrees and continue baking until center is set…approximately 20 more minutes. If excess grease cooks out, blot the edges with a paper towel.