Getting saucy with baked potatoes

We’re not big baked-potato people, but every once in awhile a spud topped with all kinds of goodies sounds amazing. The next time you get a hankering for a baked potato, give this low-maintenance meal a try.

BBQ Chicken Baked Potato 
2 chicken breasts
2 cups Kansas City-style barbecue sauce (this was enough sauce to cover the chicken in my little Crock-Pot)
2 tablespoons dried minced onions
4 russet potatoes, baked to your liking and split lengthwise
Garnishes: shredded cheddar and sliced green onion

Place chicken breasts, barbecue sauce and minced onion in slow cooker. Cook on low setting for 8 hours. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred meat with knife and fork. Return meat to slow cooker so the chicken gets nice and saucy. Top each baked potato with a heap of shredded chicken and garnish with cheddar and green onions.

The Kitchen in one word: Wow!

My favorite Wisconsinites, Chris’ parents, came out to California last week for visit. No trip to visit their favorite son is complete without dinner at The Kitchen, and Chris and I are always delighted to share the experience with his parents.

 The Kitchen serves a decadent, multi-course demonstration dinner. Nothing is off limits at this restaurant, where they invite guests to stroll through the kitchen, chat up the chefs, peek into the wine cellar, even do dishes if that’s what floats your boat. The menu changes monthly, and every ingredient has a story. But instead of trying to recall each of these stories, how about I just show you some photos?

Here’s what we feasted upon last week.

First Course: Tortilla Soup with Maine Lobster, “Creamed” Chorizo, Avocado and Smoked Chilies 

Second Course: A Salad of Foie Gras, Frisée, Sea Grapes, Grilled Chicken, Fennel and Crisped Brioche 

Not pictured (because I was too busy throwing elbows to get the best goodies): The intermezzo, when you’re invited to leave your seats, stretch your legs and help yourselves to a variety of sushi, sashimi and other treats.

Third Course: 100-Mile Salmon, Dungeness Crab Béarnaise, White Asparagus Flan and Preserved Meyer Lemon

Fourth Course: Slow Roasted Young Beef, Duck Breast and Crispy Skin with Shepherd’s Pie and Black Peppercorns

 Aaaaannd, Dessert: Nancy’s Carrot Cake with Butter Crunch Ice Cream, Caramel Popcorn and White Chocolate.