Starting my year with VODKA!

Another year has passed and I failed miserably to maintain a regular blogging schedule.  But a new day means a new chance at achieving my goals so here I go!

HOME. RUN. RECIPES. recap:

HOME

Real estate was back-burnered through my mother's illness and passing and I am excited to be making strides again.  I'm working with two wonderful sellers (closing on one tomorrow) and am thrilled to help them make their financial dreams come true.  I became a realtor because I love houses and I really love people but I had no idea that I would make such dear friends with the people I work with.  Looking forward to new friendships and successes in the new year!  And let me know if you know anyone who is looking for a fantastic Sparks, Nevada home - single story, well-maintained, great location, 3bed/2bath, sunroom!

RUN

We started the year off strong with our midnight resolution run and I'm still on my running streak.  My cold, wet 1.1 miles today marked day 1151!  My darling husband (and inspiration for the streak - and everything else I do!) had to stop at day 1000 due to significant and increasing knee pain.  He is still very much the reason I get myself out the door each day.  A lot of my motivation comes from those that would love to run but can't.  Glen with his neuroma, Francine with her struggles with Lyme disease, Todd and his bone-on-bone knees. My mother and my aunt who were avid runners before they passed.  Whenever I think about quitting I think about them.  Amazing what I will do for others that I sometimes won't do for myself!

RECIPES

This is the funnest part of my post for me today!  I've already kicked off the year with some great new cooking experiences. Todd and I are trying a new (or revisiting old ones we haven't had in some time - hello Tequila Sunrise!) cocktail each week.  I'll start sharing those as well as food recipes.

I'll start with the recipe I used for dinner last night.  Todd said he's been wanting penne with vodka sauce.  I haven't made that from scratch before. Oh my gosh!  How easy and delicious it is!  I found two recipes that I liked the look of and merged them to create what I call Vodka-Pancetta Penne Pasta!  Kicking myself for not getting photos for you - but they wouldn't have done it justice anyhow.

Vodka-Pancetta Penne Pasta

16 oz penne pasta
2 Tbsp butter
4 oz thinly sliced pancetta, chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 C. vodka
3/4 C. heavy cream
7 oz  diced tomatoes, drained a bit (approximately half of a 15 oz can)
15 oz can tomato sauce
3 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan cheese

Prepare pasta per package instructions.

While pasta water comes to boil and pasta cooks - saute pancetta in butter until lightly browned.  Add onion and cook until soft.  Add vodka and simmer, stirring often, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.  Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and cream. Add chopped basil when other ingredients are fully combined. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done.

Serve sauce over pasta, top with Parmesan cheese to taste. 4 generous servings.

Note:  I will try this sauce with Italian sauce and red pepper flakes in the future.  Will also try substituting lobster ravioli for the penne and leaving out the pancetta.

Coming soon:  Pho, Mexican Lasagna, Georgia Punch and a popular web recipe for sugar cookies.

Look forward to sharing with you in 2017!!