Penne with Bacon and Spinach

So, tonite I decided to try THIS recipe.

I had precooked my bacon in the oven, so I skipped that step, but I sauteed some garlic in olive oil, then added zucchini.  Next time I would try mushrooms too, but I had a zucchini that needed using.

Then I added the tomatoes and bacon.  Next time I would not add the bacon until the very end so it stays crispy.  I actually pulled it out in an attempt to "re-crisp" it... didn't work the best :).

When the zucchini was cooked, I added a large bunch of fresh spinach on top and covered.  It wilted down in about a minute.

I added my cooked pasta and served with grated Parmesan on top.

So, I thought it was pretty good.  It could have used a bit more cheese and maybe some spice.  The kids didn't love it my any means.  They ate the noodles and tried the veggies, but it certainly wasn't their favorite.  James isn't home yet, so we`ll see what he thinks of it later!

Wings 3 Ways

So, my name is Brandy.  I am an honorary "cousin" appointed my Melanie.  Hopefully I can get some posts and pictures here.  Since I have been added to this blog, I have finished supper every night and then I remembered, I should have photographed it...ooops!

So, here we go.  Since I have bought a stoneware pan from pampered chef, I love making wings.  It somehow makes them crispy and yummy without having to start the bbq.  I start with plain wings, i take a few and just sprinkle them with sea salt for the kids.  They are not fans of sauce... so theirs are super easy.  Then I put some in a bowl and sprinkle them with Epicures Cajun spice.  It has onion and garlic and cayenne pepper.  My hubby doesn't like wings very saucy, so i basically do a dry rub.  I lay them out on the stoneware and sprinkle them with smokey chipotle pepper for some added kick.   Then i take mine and roll them around in wing sauce.  This time i tried sweet bbq heat by Franks Red Hot.  I wasn't crazy about this wing sauce, but it wasn't bad.

Then I bake all the wings in the over at about 375 for 40 minutes.  To make them extra crispy, I turn on my convection oven for the last 10 minutes.  The kids are ready to serve as well as the dry rubbed wings.  I take the "sauced" wings and roll them again in sauce and serve with lots of napkins.

I usually try to serve this with raw veggies or a salad, but its would also be yummy with a pasta salad or coleslaw.

The kids always love these and I can guarantee my hubby won't work late on wing night!