Winter is coming! Winter is coming!

I love Winter; the Christmas music, trees lining the streets of the city covered in glistening lights, drinking hot toddies wrapped in a cozy blanket, holiday movies, ugly sweater holiday parties and my list goes on and on. I just love it!

I would date Winter if I could.

Can I?

Someone google that and get back to me.

One thing I also love about the Winter months are the warm meals that feel like they are giving you a hug.

Like this baked gnocchi with creamy mozzarella, crispy bacon and savory tomatoes. OH EM GEE YOU GUYS!

I used store bought gnocchi this time, don’t judge, let me explain.

I love rolling out my own gnocchi just as much as the next Christmas elf, but the store bought kind holds its shape better when baking and doesn’t get overly mushy.

Just go with me on this one.

This meal will come together faster than waiting in line to take a picture with Santa!

Am I too old to do that?

Someone google it and get back to me.

Ingredients: serves 2-3

Package of store bought gnocchi (remember we aren’t judging)

4 slices of bacon, chopped into strips

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 Tablespoon tomato paste

1 12 oz can of whole tomatoes

1 handful of cherry tomatoes

2-3 Tablespoons of chicken broth

Fresh mozzarella cheese to top

Salt and pepper

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Bring a pot of water to a boil while you make the sauce.

In a separate pan heat the bacon and cook until crispy, drain the fat. Add the garlic and paprika and let bloom about 30 seconds or so. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the tomato paste, can of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, chicken stock and a pinch of S&P. Let this simmer about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile cook the gnocchi in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are floating. Remove with a slotted spoon and add them to the sauce.

Transfer to an oven safe dish and top with as much fresh mozzarella as your little heart desires.

Bake for 12-14 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.