One of the biggest struggles I’ve had cooking with a new baby is cooking in a way that allows me to stop what I’m doing and address baby’s needs. Something like bacon, one of my favorite ingredients, is one of those challenging ingredients that not only requires constant attention if you’re frying on the stove, but is also dangerous to baby if he gets too close to the action. My remedy? Cook the bacon in the oven. This is a technique I saw used during my restaurant days, but also cooks like the Barefoot Contessa like to use.

Best practice is: Preheat over to 375. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil (for easy removal). Lay cookie sheets or broiling pan over cookie sheet. Lay thick-cut bacon slices on the cookie sheet. Bake in oven for 30-40 minutes, or until desired doneness. Barefoot Contessa style: in the last 10 minutes or so, brush with maple syrup, cracked blacked pepper or both for added flavor.

I like using this method for cooking bacon while making my Grilled Chicken BLT Salad. Each component of the salad can be cooked in it’s own time and stopping as necessary. Perfect when you’re trying to make a tasty light dinner while also on baby-duty.