Boys Boys, Jump For Joy: Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Pancetta and Spinach

Christmas was kind to us.  But it didn't start out that way.  It started out fairly ominously - in fact, it was downright terrifying.  At least for Thatbaby.  TSIL had a Santa costume she convinced Thatboy to wear.  When he made his appearance, Thatbaby was NOT happy.

He clung to me, trembling and crying. And can you blame him?  What is the deal with some creepy stranger who breaks into your house at night?

Don't worry, Thatboy perked right up once that weird bearded guy left.  And then things got really good when he realized there were loads of presents.  It didn't seem to bother him that some weren't for him as he ran off with Thatboy's new sweater and my new apron. 

Some of the presents were for him though.  And his hands down favorite?

His new trampoline! He barely unwrapped it before getting on it and starting to jump.  And at least once a day he pulls it out and asks us to set up so he can bounce bounce bounce.  I think we have a bonafide boy on our hands!

My friend Twofer has more than one bonafide boy on her hands.  She just had her second baby boy right before we left for the inlaws.  So when we got back, I brought them over some treats.

Spaghetti with pancetta, tomatoes, and spinach, along with a bottle of wine for dinner.  And banana bread for dessert.  Or breakfast.  Or snack.  Let's just say that when I had a newborn, there was a lot of banana bread snacking going on, so I knew she'd appreciate it.  By the way, this recipe makes 2 loaves, one for Twofer, and one for us!  We almost inhaled the whole loaf for breakfast the next morning

Spaghetti with Pancetta, Tomatoes, and Spinach

16oz spaghetti
2 Tbsp olive oil

2 oz diced pancetta

4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 red onion, chopped
2 pints cherry tomatoes

salt and pepper

2 cups spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
 

1. Cook spaghetti according to box directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown pancetta in oil.
3. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
4. Add the onions and cook until transluscent (about 5 minutes)
5. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste.  Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the spinach and cook until spinach wilts.
7. Toss with the Parmesan and serve.

 Buttermilk Banana Bread

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

3 bananas, mashed

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

 

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray 2 loaf pans with baking spray.  Cream butter in an electric mixer.
2. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in eggs, one at a time, beating until each egg is incorporated.
4. Add bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla.  Beat until smooth.
5. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt, just until combined.  Pour into pans and bake for about 1 hour, until cooked through.