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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Penne A La Vodka!

The amazing D.A.R created this amazing recipe. I am so lovin' it!

Enjoy!!

Pasta, Booze, and Cheese...my favorites
Since there was much request for my penne alla vodka, I thought I'd finally share it. It is seriously too easy to make, but looks and tastes like you spent the day in the kitchen. Serve it with warm crusty bread and a salad. Oh, and the leftovers? Taste even better! This is a family recipe, coming from my godmother. She married into a very large Italian family and her mother in law demanded that she learn to cook "the proper way" before she got married. She is, hands down, the best cook I've ever met. I just try to do this recipe justice!

Ingredients:
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (I just add a palmful, I like it spicy!)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
2 tablespoons vodka
1 /2 cup heavy cream
Fresh basil (I chop up about a handful)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, but highly recommended)
1 box of penne (I use whole wheat)



Directions:
1. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook penne about 10-12 minutes.
2. In large, deep saute pan, heat olive oil on medium.
3. Saute garlic until soft, do NOT burn! If you burn it, throw it out, clean your pan and start over.
4. Add tomatoes and red pepper, cook down about 15 minutes.
5. Add parsley and vodka, cook alcohol out--about five minutes.
6. Add cream and basil, turn down heat.
7. Finish with a tablespoon of butter to make the sauce silky smooth. This step is optional, but well, I've never met a dish that wasn't better with butter.
8. Toss in pasta, top with parmesan and serve!


This makes a ton. Z and I can eat it for two dinners and usually a lunch. Keep in mind though, that he is 6'5. And, I am a carb addict. So, it may stretch a bit more with your family!


~D.A.R

Thanks D.A,R you rock!!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Chili!!


Last night was Halloween and we made a pot of chili for about 14 people.

I cut the recipe in half and because it turned out so amazing, I thought I would share this recipe with all of you!



Chili!!


2 lbs ground beef (85/15)

1 can of red kindey beans - preferrably the one in the chili spices

1 can of sweet corn

1 cup of favorite salsa - preferrably blended (to keep the consistency better)

4 cans of crushed tomatoes

2 tbs paprika

2 tbs cumin

2 tbs chili powder

2 tbs cayenne pepper

red pepper flakes - depending on how hot you like it

black pepper

salt


Season raw meat with spices, salt and pepper.


Brown meat half way and drain some grease out of pan. Add tomatoes and salsa and let simmer for 30 minutes.


Drain and rinse corn and kindey beans. Add to chili and let simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour.


Serve hot with Fritos and cheese. Enjoy!