Let’s see who is going to make it to the dance.  I will spend most of today in front of the television watching the games.  I am not going to have a lot of time or interest in cooking today.  Pasta is a go-to dish for me.  Today I am fixing Pasta with a Creamy Vodka Sauce, Cesar Salad, Garlic Bread, Pink Champagne and Bread Pudding for dessert.

PASTA WITH CREAMY VODKA SAUCE

1 tablespoon olive oil,1 1/2 tablespoons salted butter, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper,  1/2 cup finely chopped red thinly onion, 1 1/4 cup vodka, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 (32 oz.) can crushed tomatoes, 1 pound uncooked fettuccine pasta, 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, 1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 1/2 pounds bulk sweet Italian sausage, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, set aside and keep warm.  In a heavy pot add the olive oil and the sausage cook until browned, make sure all the pink is gone. Add the butter, onions, garlic, and red pepper. Saute until the onions are soft and clear. Taste.  Add about 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and crush red pepper mix well. Add the crushed tomatoes, cook until the consistency thickens. Add vodka and bring contents to a rapid boil for about 2-minutes.  Reduce to a simmer and cook for another 3-minutes or until the sauce is reduced by half.  Add the cream, cook for about 5-minutes. Remove from the stove, add the basil, parsley, lemon zest, half the cheese, and pasta toss.  Pour into a serving bowl garnish with the rest of the cheese.

What are cooking for dinner today?