Another nice product from TJ’s: Nieman Ranch vacuum packed ham steak. It’s fully cooked, so you can just heat it up on the stove quickly and serve it. Monday night I served that with home fries and instant applesauce:

Potatoes:
I cut up two big russet potatoes, first in thirds lengthwise, then into thin slices. I heated a couple tablespoons of butter with a bit of olive oil, then tossed the potatoes in and covered them. After a few minutes I stirred them around and covered again, though not all the slices ever got to get crusty and brown. Lots of salt and pepper, keep the lid off for a few minutes to crisp things up, and serve hot.

Applesauce:
I’ve written about this before, but applesauce is so, so easy. Peel your apples, cut them up (toss or compost the cores) in small pieces, put in a pyrex or something with a little water, and microwave. Check every two minutes to see if the apple is super soft, it usually takes about 6-8 minutes for two apples in my weak little microwave. Mash up the apples as much as you like, mix in a little cinnamon,and call it a day.

Comforting and easy, though not very pretty!