The first article I ever wrote about food,  12 years ago, was about making take out food at home and potato skins was one of the recipes. At the time we were living in a rural area, I’d just had my second baby and we were pretty much dead broke since I’d left my law practice to stay home. I spent a lot of time looking for ways to save money.

I’ve always had a thing for the potato skins at TGI Fridays. I get them whenever we go there (which isn’t very often!). Because eating out wasn’t on the agenda much back then (or now for that matter), I learned to make my own.

Bake 4 Idaho potatoes in the oven until done (don’t use the microwave – they have to be baked in the oven). Scoop out most of the potato, leaving a thin layer (when I made it this time, I used the insides to make baked potato soup). Spray the inside and outside of the skins with cooking spray (or brush with olive oil) and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 for until they are crispy but not getting too brown (about half an hour). Take out of the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese (or any cheese you like) and sprinkle some cooked, chopped bacon (I used 3 pieces this time). Sprinkle with salt. Put back in the oven until the cheese melts. Mix some chopped chives or scallions into sour cream and serve to dip in (I always make about 1 cup for this amount of skins).

These are a special treat in our house – not something we have often, but when we do, everyone loves them. You could jazz this up with some jalapenos, salsa, chopped ham, French onion dip, or different kinds of cheese. It also makes a great party snack (think: Super Bowl).

The first article I ever wrote about food,  12 years ago, was about making take out food at home and potato skins was one of the recipes. At the time we were living in a rural area, I’d just had my second baby and we were pretty much dead broke since I’d left my law … Read more →

If you’ve been following my blog, you know it’s all about no mess, no pot cooking. So how on earth could I make noodles? Oh, I’m excited to share this one! I was so thrilled with this method!

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 single serving container (4 oz) of mandarin oranges

1 scallion, thinly sliced

1 medium garlic clove, chopped

1/4 of a broccoli head, cut into tiny florets

6 oz rice noodles

1/3 cup teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

Clean out your sink and place the rice noodles in it. Cover with cold water and allow to soak for 15 minutes. Remove the noodles and place in the center of a piece of parchment (I made this family style). Make a nest in the middle and place the shrimp. Top with scallions, garlic and broccoli. Pour the oranges on top, juice and all. Then drizzle the teriyaki and soy sauces, being sure you get it on the shrimp and as much of the noodles as possible.

Bake at 400 for 30 minutes. Wow! I surprised even myself with this one! No pots, no mess and a delicious Asian shrimp dish with noodles. It has a nice citrus taste and the green of the vegetables give it color and flavor. I’ll be making this one again!

*Reader favorite: Appears in The Parchment Paper Cookbook

If you’ve been following my blog, you know it’s all about no mess, no pot cooking. So how on earth could I make noodles? Oh, I’m excited to share this one! I was so thrilled with this method! 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 single serving container (4 oz) of mandarin oranges 1 … Read more →