AS I pointed out yesterday, learning to cook is one of the 5 keys to becoming a great single father. Though I have seriously increased my cooking skills over the past few years, I have yet to share any recipes with the Dadviser community.

In an effort to keep all the development categories well rounded, I have decided to add 3 or 4 new recipe ideas each Friday. For the most part, they will be simple ideas requiring few ingredients and have (at least at my house) been kid tested.

Without further ado, here are my first installments:

1. Bacon and Cheese Toast -

You will need:

* Bread (as many slices as you want)
* Bacon Pieces
* Grated Cheese
* Tomato Sauce
* Eggs (1 for each 4 slices of bread)

Spread the tomato sauce on each bread slice and place them on an oven tray. Mix the remaining ingredients together, spooning the mixture onto the bread slices. Place in 180 degree oven until golden on top. Cut islices in halves and serve.

2. Potato Bake -

You will need:

* 4-5 peeled, thinly sliced, medium-sized potatoes
* 1 Finely Diced Onion
* 300ml thickened cream
* Crushed Garlic
* Diced Bacon
* Grated Cheese

In oven or microwave safe dish, place the ingredients in the following layers:

Fill the bottom of the dish with potatoes. Next, sprinkle the onions, bacon and cheese on top. Drizzle a layer of cream on top of the other ingredients, sprinkling garlic as desired. Once you have done this, start over again with another layer of potatoes, finally sprinkling a layer of cheese on the very top.

Depending on the size of the container, baking should take approximately 25-30 minutes. Cook until potatoes are soft and top is golden brown.

3. Vegetable Pie -

You will need:

* A half dozen eggs
* Diced Bacon
* 1 Diced Onion
* 1 Grated Carrot
* 2 Grated Zuchinnis
* 1/2 cup of grated Cheese
* 1 Diced Tomato
* 1/2 cup of Corn
* 1/4 cup of Milk

Mix all the vegetables, cheese and bacon in a mixing bowl before pouring into a baking dish. In another bowl, whisk the milk and eggs and then pour on top of other ingredients. Add some cheese on top and place uncovered baking dish in 200 degree oven for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown.

4. Fruit Pizza -

You will need:

* 1 Roll of Sugar Cookie Dough
* 1 Brick of Cream Cheese
* 1 Tea Spoon of Sugar
* 1/4 Melted Apple Jelly
* Sliced Fruit and/or Berries

Cut the cookie dough into ridged circles and place them on a round pizza pan. Cook the cookie according to the cookie dough directions. Next, whip together cream cheese and sugar, spreading over the cooled cookie. Place the fruit on top of the cream cheese according to taste. Afterwards, brush on the melted apple jelly and cool for after dinner.

There you have an easy lunch idea, two great dinner ideas and a tasty dessert the whole family will enjoy.

DAD TALK

* Have some recipe ideas that busy fathers can make? Share them!
* If you try these recipes, let us know what you think of them.
* Anyone notice how much we like bacon at my house?