Life has a remarkable way of keeping us on our toes, often defying our best intentions for a calmer existence. I recall setting a personal goal at the close of December: to embrace a less hectic schedule and find more moments for relaxation in 2016. In fact, during an interview with Heidi, I explicitly shared this aspiration! Yet, it seems the universe had an entirely different plan for us, as our days have been anything but quiet.
Navigating Unexpected Challenges: Pet Worries and House Hunting Hopes
The past few days have been particularly challenging, starting with our beloved pup, Winston. On Thursday night, he woke us at 3 AM with distressed cries from his crate. This was highly unusual for him, immediately signaling that something was amiss. As soon as I opened the crate, he bolted outside, and without going into excessive detail, let’s just say he made quite a mess. We also discovered a small amount of vomit outside his crate. Our initial thought was that he simply had an upset stomach.
Friday brought a temporary reprieve; Winston seemed fine, though his bathroom habits remained irregular despite our diligent efforts to feed him a bland diet of chicken and rice. However, the calm was short-lived. Saturday morning, at 1 AM, he once again woke us with cries from his crate. The scene mirrored Thursday night’s events, but this time, the amount of vomit in his crate was significant, including his undigested dinner from earlier. Our worry escalated quickly.
We immediately contacted the vet, and we’re currently awaiting test results to determine if a parasite is the cause. The vet hypothesized that perhaps a few too many treats at physical therapy on Wednesday could have been a factor, but honestly, it could be a multitude of things. Winston is now on anti-vomiting and anti-diarrheal medication, and our hearts ache for our poor pup. We can only hope for a swift diagnosis and recovery. It truly feels like one thing after another, and we’re holding our breath for some good news soon.
Adding to the whirlwind, Saturday morning also brought a previously scheduled listing meeting with our realtor. Despite Winston’s unexpected turn, we pushed through, working out most of the details for selling our current home. We are now gearing up to kick everything into high gear, with plans to list our house on or before March 20. The exact date hinges on how quickly we can finalize preparations. Given my current state of energetic nesting—I’ve been on a mission to box everything up and ensure the house is show-ready—I have a strong feeling we’ll be listing well before March 20.
Our desire for a change of scenery stems from growing tired of our current neighborhood. We eagerly anticipate finding a single-family home with a spacious backyard, a perfect haven for Winston to run and play. The prospect of a new chapter is incredibly exciting, but the journey to get there is undoubtedly demanding.
Saturday evening, Jason and I dedicated hours to decluttering our closets and drawers, meticulously sorting items into donation and trash piles. I’ve already scheduled a Salvation Army pickup for this week, and yesterday, I began the daunting task of tackling our kitchen cabinets. My strategy involves boxing up anything we won’t absolutely need between now and our move. This process, while necessary, carries its own layer of stress. The thought of selling our house quickly, only to be left without a new home we love, potentially means a temporary apartment and two moves instead of one. The logistics are mind-boggling!
We are truly hoping for impeccable timing, where everything falls perfectly into place. Your positive thoughts and crossed fingers would be greatly appreciated as we navigate this significant transition. It’s a period of intense activity and anticipation, but we’re hopeful for a bright future in our new home.
The Perfect Solution for Hectic Days: 25-Minute Bacon Gnocchi with Broccoli and Shaved Brussels
Amidst all the chaos and demanding schedules, one thing remains constant: the need for delicious, easy, and satisfying meals. This is where our 25-Minute Bacon Gnocchi with Broccoli and Shaved Brussels truly shines. Lord knows, with life being as busy as it is, quick weeknight dinner fixes are an absolute necessity. This incredible entrée takes just about 25 minutes from start to finish, yet it’s absolutely bursting with flavor, thanks in no small part to generous amounts of crispy bacon!
I first teased this recipe on Instagram months ago, during a quick Snapchat recipe run-through, and the demand for the full recipe was overwhelming! So, after much anticipation, I am thrilled to finally share it with you. This dish isn’t just fast; it’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The tender potato gnocchi provides a comforting base, while the savory, crispy bacon bits elevate every bite. The addition of fresh, vibrant broccoli florets and thinly shaved Brussels sprouts brings a wonderful earthy balance and nutritional boost, making it a wholesome and complete meal.
Whether you’re dealing with pet emergencies, the stresses of moving, or simply the daily grind, this recipe offers a delicious escape that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. It’s designed for efficiency without compromising on taste, making it an ideal choice for any busy evening when you crave something hearty and homemade. Dive in and discover your new favorite speedy supper!
Print Recipe
Bacon Gnocchi with Broccoli and Shaved Brussels
Ingredients
- 8 strips of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups (176 g) thinly sliced/shaved brussels sprouts
- 1 ½ cups (137 g) broccoli florets
- 16 ounces (454 g) of potato gnocchi
- ½ cup (123 g) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Do not add the gnocchi yet, as it cooks very quickly.
- Using the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, place it over medium-high heat. Add the shaved Brussels sprouts and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the broccoli florets and continue to cook until both vegetables are tender-crisp, approximately 7 minutes.
- While the broccoli and Brussels sprouts are cooking, add the potato gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, typically just a few minutes until they float to the surface.
- Once the gnocchi is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the cooked Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Stir in the marinara sauce and the crumbled crispy bacon. Remove the skillet from the heat and toss everything together one last time. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and savor this quick, flavorful, and comforting weeknight meal!
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data, use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
As we continue to navigate the exciting, albeit demanding, journey of life – from caring for a beloved pet to embarking on the adventure of finding a new home – moments of simple pleasure become even more precious. This Bacon Gnocchi with Broccoli and Shaved Brussels isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to finding comfort and deliciousness even on the busiest of days. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal as much as we do, and may your own busy weeks be punctuated with equally delightful and easy culinary creations!