Busy Friday Again

Friday seems to come around so quickly and it's always what to feed the family.  You may not even grocery shop until Saturday so the cupboards can be quite bare.  For me, I am just tired, generally tired and tired of cooking for the week.  Lately, I have been really slack on Friday and Saturday nights and have been cooking a lovely meal on a Sunday.  Used to be the other way around, Sunday was my slack night.  Shopping is not the issue, I do this on Thursday generally, so it is me just being SLACK.

Today I have found a  Loaded Potato Casserole that can be prepared ahead of time.  On the way home (whether it be from work, or a long lunch or after collecting the children from school / daycare) buy a some lovely beef or chicken or gourmet sausages, the makings for a green salad and this Loaded Potato Casserole and you have a lovely meal ready for the family.

Have a great weekend everyone, I am hoping for a quiet one, although Mum and I are joining other family members at lovely Magnums for lunch on Sunday for the 84th birthday of a lovely lady.  It is always a lovely meal at this "pub" restaurant.

 Loaded Potato Casserole

 
Serves: 12-14 

Ingredients: 

2 -2 1/2 Kilos of medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 
1 cup evaporated low fat milk 
1/2 cup light sour cream 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 
2 cups (500 gms.) grated reduced fat cheese, divided 
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided (I used 8 slices cuz I love bacon) 
Sliced green onions 

Directions: 

Place potatoes in large saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain. 

Preheat oven to 350° F (180  C) Grease 3 litre casserole dish. 

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Beat with hand-held mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese and half of bacon. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish. 

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

TIP: 
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F (180 C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated. Uncover; top with cheese, bacon and green onions; bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

http://normalcooking.com/2013/07/01/loaded-potato-casserole/

(I have made a few adjustments to cater to the metric measurements in Australia and other countries that are similar. Otherwise a great recipe.  Check the website for more great ideas.)