CumberFest Blog

Last night some friends were nice enough to have Sydney and me over to dinner since Jim was away. The husband travels a lot and I think the Mom recognizes that it is sometimes nice to get a break when you are on single parent duty! We had a lovely time - I enjoyed chatting with the Mom and Sydney loved wandering around checking out their daughter’s toys.

She was kinda cranky though and so I suspected she was getting sick - later proven out by one horrendous night and a day off of work for me today.  I am guessing we will be at the doctor tomorrow or Friday to have her ears checked out, although she seems much better right now..we’ll see how the night goes.

Anyhoo..the dinner. They made this recipe and it was great. I googled it when I got home so I could make it sometime for us. I highly recommend it!

Penne with Vodka Sauce
Cooking Light

Ingredients:
1/2 pound uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons sliced fresh basil

Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, ommitting salt and fat.
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and saute 4 minutes until tender.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon slat, pepper, and garlic; saute for 1 mintue.
- Remove from heat and add vodka; bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes or until liquid reduces by 1/2.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, broth, and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Use immersion blender or transfer sauce to blender and process until smooth.
- Stir in cream and cook for two more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.  Stir in cooked pasta, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and basil.
- Serve immediately.