easy vodka sauce

Vodka sauce is actually super simple, it is ready in about an hour with minimal effort, and can be spiced up with some add-ins. To make it more filling I added some chicken and peas, but you can add in anything really, from pancetta to mushrooms to anything you like in your pasta.
 

Ingredients (for 2):
3 shallots, minced
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup vodka
56 oz crushed tomatoes
2 cups heavy cream 
1/2 lb penne

Directions:
1. In a skillet over med heat, saute shallots in butter with a sprinkle of salt & pepper for 4 minutes or until soft and beginning to brown.
 

2. Add vodka and let simmer for 7 minutes, until almost all the way evaporated.
 

3. Add tomatoes, stir, cover & simmer for 30 minutes.
 

4. Uncover, stir, and add in heavy cream. Stir, cover, and let simmer for another 30 minutes.
 

5. At this time, prep any add-ins you may have. I chopped up some chicken, sauteed them with some tomatoes, and added in after the timer went off along with some steamed peas.
 

 

 

 

 

6. Cook pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta-water, and add to pan.  Stir to coat & serve warm.
 

 

 

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hot chocolate with vodka whipped cream

To buckle down & prepare for the storm I wanted something chocolately, creamy, and a little bit mischievous (I mean...it is Halloween season after all).  For the perfect night despite the miserable weather, you can easily whip up some hot chocolate with vodka whipped cream in under 5 minutes. You can also use this tasty recipe for some non-mischievous chocolatey goodness (without the vodka).

Ingredients (makes 2 large mugs-worth):
For hot chocolate:
2 1/2 cups skim milk
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
6 oz baking chocolate of choice, chopped
1 tbs vodka of choice (or other spirit, like rum or bailey's)

For whipped cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbs sugar
3 tbs vodka of choice (or other spirit)

Directions:
1. Combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a low simmer, making sure not to boil the mixture.  

 

2. Once liquid is at a low simmer, add chopped chocolate and whisk, whisk, whisk until smooth. Add vodka to mixture.
 

 

 

3. Keep heat on low while you make the whipped cream. With a handheld mixer, or a stand mixer, whip the cream until it begins to thicken. Once thick and fluffy, add sugar and vodka. Mix until cloud-like-fluffy.
 

4. Pour hot chocolate into mugs, top with generous dollops of whipped cream, and sprinkle with shaved chocolate. 
 

 

Cheers & enjoy!

 

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simple weekend recap: edition 12

This weekend was spent celebrating my birthday a week early with some champagne...

 

and Swiss chocolate brought back by T...

 

before a dinner out at Blue Ginger on Saturday. 

Sunday night dinner was pot roast (recipe tomorrow)...

 

followed by snuggling up...

with homemade hot chocolate and 

vodka whipped cream (recipe Wednesday)!

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spring distractions

Recently I've been distracted by many many things:

1. My best friend's new blog following her incredible journey through the Culinary Institute of America.

2. My new nail color for spring:

3. Zumba...which is addicting and hilarious at the same time. I recommend just trying one and see if you're not hooked!

4. Online-shopping (what else is new)...especially excited for one of my recent springtime purchases: my new glass beverage jar! Super excited to whip up some sangria, infused vodka, or rose lemonade to brew overnight and be perfectly mixed for a warm spring day!

From surlatable.com

5. The biggest-deal-of-the-moment...figuring out the perfect 5-year anniversary gift for T. I know eventually I will be able to think of something, but for now it's weighing on me pretttttty hard. 

6. My mother is visiting within the next few weeks for dinner at our favorite nearby restaurant, 80 Thoreau and a tour of the Louisa May Alcott house, author of our favorite book together, Little Women.

7. And finally: yesterday was Erin's 4th birthday! She celebrated with a frozen yogurt and a mini ham and cheese puff pastry. 4 years old and already rolling in style. 

Then:

Now:

 Happy birthday+1 day you big 28-year-old!


A final reason that I am excited for spring is the fact that the antique shops will have their doors open for the warm breezes that are sure to come soon!

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