Easy Meals

We all have our lazy days or those nights where you had a long day and all you can manage is a simple meal. On those days, I look for simple and fast recipes. And the less pots, pans, and utensils I have to dirty, the better. I wanted to share 2 recipes that I have made many times with success.

My friend, Jen, gave me In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite a few years ago for Christmas. I read that book every night before bed time and enjoyed the author's stories behind the recipes. I love cook books that read like a story book. One day, I had one of those long stressful days and this recipe for a easy macaroni and cheese called out to me.

It was delicious and super easy. It tasted like a sophisticated mac & cheese, but simplified. It's not your standard mac & cheese with a super cheesy sauce, but it's really good. Try it!

Even Easier One-Handed Macaroni with Creamy Peas and Cheese
(From In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite )

Time: 10 min

Serves 2 adults or numerous small children

Kosher salt

8 ounces macaroni or tiny shells pasta (2 cups)

2/3 cup frozen peas

2/3 cup heavy cream

2 large sage sprigs

1 fat garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (optional)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, more to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Pinch freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions. About 30 seconds before the pasta is done to taste, stir in the frozen peas. Drain well.
2. While the pasta is cooking, in a medium saucepan, bring the cream, sage, garlic, and lemon zest (if using) to a simmer for about 3 minutes. Stir in the cheese, nutmeg, pepper, pasta, and peas. Stir well until the pasta is coated with the sauce and season with salt to taste. Serve hot, discarding the sage.

Egg Boat

This Egg Boat was amazing! Crispy on the outside and inside filled with eggy, cheesy deliciousness. After the first time I made it, I continued to make it 3 days straight because I loved it so much. I also made it for DH and he agreed that it tasted fantastic.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I took 1 demi-baguette and cut a v shape lengthwise to take out some of the bread. Then in a bowl I mixed together: 1 egg, dash of cream, chopped up cooked bacon, 1 scallion chopped, grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese, salt & pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into the demi-baguette and bake it until puffed and browned.

I was inspired by this recipe, Baked Egg Boat, but you don't really need a recipe. It's so simple. I just used what I had in the fridge. Try it, your stomach will thank you.