Year of the Rat: Nutritional Guidance for the 2008 Presidential Election: Democracy Frittata

Chew on this: more Americans skip breakfast than skip voting, Christmas, and George Bush's State of the Union address combined. Even my dog, Ham Sandwich, knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Scientific scientists have proven that without breakfast the brain can not function properly. I submit that, without breakfast, we've ended up with Republicans running our amazing country and good name into the ground for the past eight years! In honor of our out-going president I'm throwing down the culinary gauntlet with a tasty voting challenge. I don't care if you're a habitual voter, have Republican "priors" in your history, are AWOL, or have never bothered to register. This year, it's about change. This year, it's war. Shock and awe, America: it's time to wake up and get your vote on.

I've created an exciting, flavorful breakfast entree that is loaded with nutrients and will satisfy every palette no matter what your party affiliation. Whether you're a raging Republican who regularly dines on ham and eggs, and Independent who slams cold pizza and Mountain Dew, or a decidedly Undecided who defaults to black coffee and half pack of cigarettes, this eye-opener will set you straight. My Democracy Frittata will inspire you to do the necessary research so that, come November, you can walk confidently into that voting booth and be a part of our exciting Democratic process. Defining the core issues, looking at voting records, and sniffing out the non-voters in your life will be easy as pie once this Democracy Frittata fuels your every move.

Statistically, most of us have a minimum of three non-voters lurking in our lives. They may be friends, co-workers, neighbors, even family members. For those of you who will need the support, this egg-based, easy to prepare item is the perfect centerpiece for a brunch of non-voting friends and family. You know it's a universal truth: food is a unifying force. Use this American spin on the classic Italian favorite to start the conversation. Without the proper tools and facts, cooking can be a lot like voting...intimidating, overwhelming, and more trouble than it's worth. Arm yourself, buy a new spatula or cutting board, demand better for yourself and our country. Help register three non-voters.

It's our right and responsibility as Americans to rally one another. In 2008 you only have to do two things: eat well and get your vote on! It was either Jesus Christ or Gil Scott-Heron who said, "The revolution will be live!" I invite you to get in your kitchen and cook up your own little revolution. Come November you'll have done your part, encouraged your fellow citizens, and have nothing to clean up save a few dishes.


Democracy Fritatta

8 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped turkey breast
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts
1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onions
1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup low-fat milk
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 large clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp fresh or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp fresh or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp sea salt, such as Maldon
1/2 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized non-stick pan, saute the onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add sun-dried tomatoes and saute for two additional minutes. Coat a 8X10 glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, such as Pam. Layer the turkey, spinach, artichoke, herbs and cheese in the baking dish. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the turkey/vegetable mixture. Bake 35-45 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Serves 4

For best results, serve this Democracy Frittata with a side of organic fresh fruit and your favorite breakfast beverage. Pairs nicely with independent news sources, sun-soaked patios, frozen February landscapes, and Alice Coltrane.