Simple Stuff

I love how simple things are often the best.  Here are two easy, week-night-able, kid-friendly dinners.  Added benefits that bring me immense joy are that they both 1) require minimal clean-up, and 2) happen to contain my beloved friend bacon. 

Have I mentioned my relationship with thick cut Black Forest bacon?  Of course I have.  Yes, it's odd that someone, particularly a female and former vegetarian - would goob so much over this ingredient.  Go to Whole Foods, buy it, take it home, and cook it; I'd be shocked if you didn't feel the same way.  End rant.

Loaded Baked Potatoes 



These were a really fun departure from the typical piles-on-a-plate dinner format and required refreshingly little time and effort.  I cooked the bacon in advance so that the week night prep would simply entail fork-piercing four russet potatoes and throwing them in a 400 degree toaster oven for an hour while my kids took turns playing "super man" on my raised feet.  I threw frozen broccoli florets in the microwave at the last minute.  Then a handful of shredded cheddar, dollop of sour cream and sprinkling of fresh chopped chives completed the (Wendy's-style!) feast.

Spaghetti Carbonara



This dish holds a special place in my heart, as I grew up eating this comforting meal around our ceremonious week night table.  In fact, this photo was snapped sitting at that very table (though placed in a different house) next to the very same parents, who are now incredible grandparents too.  I was craving it recently and had to finally get a lesson from my dad on how to create this deliciousness on my own. 

Disclaimer: this is not on the healthy list.  Just serve it with a salad or something. 

Ingredients:

1 lb spaghetti or angel hair pasta

4ish slices of bacon, chopped

4 eggs

1/4 cup grated parmesan

1/3ish cup heavy cream or half and half

Saute chopped bacon until crisp.  Meanwhile, cook pasta according to instructions on the package and drain.  Add the pasta to the saute pan.  In a small bowl, whisk the eggs together with the grated parmesan, and pour the mixture on top of the pasta. Toss the pasta and allow the egg mixture to cook for a minute or so. Add a quick glug of half and half or heavy cream and toss to incorporate. Season to taste.

We all - kids included - devoured this dish!  It is salty and delicious and warms your belly the whole way through!

Three cheers to simple fare around a family table.