Food Network Scholar: Gnocchi with Bacon and Spinach

Television Feasts

I am a home cook who backyard gardens and has a serious closet addiction to the Food Network. I envision visiting the world in my own kitchen.

From Julia to Giada, I am a bi-product of the quirky world of anything food television. At age 10 I wanted to lunch with Julia; at 12 I thought sitting at Graham Kerr's table would be bliss; in college I was a diligent voyeur student of Jeff Smith's; and as a newlywed I envisioned myself being Martha. Then the sky opened up and violin music played in the background when I discovered an entire family of food shows on the blossoming food network. Twenty years later I am still a home chef with a backyard garden, yet in my head I am a trained chef who has eaten her way around the world, tasted all things exotic, competed in many challenges, judged the best of the best, and have a circle of friends which includes Emeril, Bobby, Rachael and more. I like to learn and challenge myself simply for the pleasure of all things food. I am a student of the University of Food Network and my textbooks, exams and extra-curricular activities all stem from channel 39.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Gnocchi with Bacon and Spinach

I am sharing a lunch recipe with you today that I had clipped from the Food Network Magazine. After I made it, I realized this is a good 'go-to' recipe for anything. The ability to exchange just about any vegetable in this, makes this an attractive recipe to have on hand for a quick meal. I will always keep a bag of gnocchi in my freezer now for a fast lunch or dinner.

Gnocchi with bacon and Spinach

3 T. olive oil
2 slices of thick cut bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 of an onion chopped
10 oz. baby spinach
1 pkg. frozen gnocchi-we have a hometown brand that is delish!
1-1/2 c. grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 c. grated parmesan

Heat the oil in a heavy pot. Add the bacon pieces and cook till crisp.
Add the onion and cook another minute to soften.
Add the fresh spinach and let cook down.