Forehead Stamp: SUCKER!

A friend called late last night. Not just any friend, but a friend who always calls when she needs me to volunteer to do something. Typically it is at the elementary school where our kids are in the same classroom. Currently we are working on the end of the year things for the 6th grade class: yearbooks, limo renting and t-shirts. It's not difficult, just little things to organize. So, when she called I expected to be discussing the details of an email I had just sent to the parents of the 6th grade class.

I was in bed already, reading, so maybe I was in an extremely vulnerable, my-brain-is-not-working-properly state when I agreed. She starts out asking innocently if my March and April are already booked up, and I politely told her, "It depends on what you want me to do!" She doesn't ask me to take over projects from her, usually it's more along the lines of "can you help me with..." projects. Our 11th graders are also in the same class, went to elementary school together, and are still good friends. We have been working on projects together since they were in Kindergarten. This one though, this one takes the cake.

We have now agreed to co-chair the After Prom Party. Dear God, what have I gotten myself into now??

Ideas can be sent to me through the comments if you have a brilliant suggestion. DO NOT tell me about what you did after prom, I have enough of those memories of my own, and I don't want to hear about what awaits my daughter. My son has already gone to prom, and I try hard not to think about it!

Send Vodka!

One of my Facebook updates a few weeks ago caused a stir. I commented that I was making pasta with Vodka sauce, and within moments I had a box full of emails asking for the recipe. I intended to get it sent out ages ago, but then life intervened, and I got lazy, and I hate typing recipes when I don't even have a decent picture of the meal to go with it. Since I didn't bother to take a picture when I made it, or when I was eating it, I'll have to post without one. The recipe is super simple, and super delicious.

Vodka Tomato Sauce for Pasta

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

In a large skillet over medium heat combine olive oil and butter until butter is melted. Add onions and saute until onions begin to turn translucent. Add chopped garlic and cook 1 minute more, do not let garlic brown.

1/2 to 3/4 cup vodka
1 can tomato puree (I try to use Muir Glen because it is sweet)
3/4 cup heavy cream
salt to taste
fresh ground pepper

Add vodka to onion mixture and cook 30 seconds or so. Stir in tomato puree. Cook another 3 minutes or until heated. Carefully and gradually stir in heavy cream, add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, but don't let boil uncontrollably.

I sometimes stir in about 1/2 to 1 cup Parmesan cheese at this point, or I serve the Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta and sauce.

This sauce is wonderful served over most any pasta. It is divine on cheese raviolis. (Especially during Lent!) My kids love to dip garlic toast or french bread in it as well.

I have frozen any extra and it reheats beautifully. You can stir all the pasta into the sauce and serve it that way as well. Whatever floats your boat.
Enjoy!

Frosty Friday

Change the Movie!

I want this scene to no longer be playing when I look out my back door! I want the movie to be something much more appealing. Like this for example, let's go back to this again!