\”Compulsive\” doesn\’t always conjure up the most positive images. Compulsive eating disorder. OCD. Even compulsive training in athletes, including cyclists.

I seem to be turning into a compulsive cook. I think up variations on Hoppin\’ John, and I\’ve just got to make them as soon as possible. Since trying out the original recipe in early May, I\’ve made four of those variations; the latest being Tardy Turtle. I still want to try variations using kidney beans, mayacoba beans, and maybe split peas.

The trouble with this relentless urge to create new dishes is, I\’ll need a chest freezer if I don\’t bring myself to a halt; and I don\’t have anywhere to put such a thing!

Getting back to OCD-style training, I don\’t seem to have it. That\’s something to be thankful for. From what I\’ve read about it, If I were training compulsively, I\’d be dead beat all the time; yet still pushing myself to train, Train, TRAIN! I\’d hardly leave myself time to eat; much less to cook. I would even be trying to sleep on the bike.

And now, back to compulsive cooking. This time, it\’s another variation on Cauliflower Potato Cheddar Mash, from The American Diabetes Association Vegetarian Cookbook. Instead of cauliflower, 17 oz of frozen spinach, thawed (I\’m saving the \”juice\” for soup). Sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes; red onion instead of scallions; and Monterrey Jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Then I\’ll feel compelled to dream up even MORE variations!