fotography and food

West window of  Will Tucker's new art studio/gallery (formerly the Muehlberger Building) at 709 Indiana, 

Wichita Falls, Texas

I have two hobbies -- photography and food.  Rick and I used to eat out almost every day of the week.  You get to the point when you just can't figure out where to eat -- because you've made the rounds soooooo many times -- and nothing sounds good.

So -- what's a girl to do???  Cook!  I've been searching high and lo for recipes that Rick and I want to add to "our" cookbook.

One dish that I've been trying to recreate is Penne with Prosciutto & Pink Vodka Sauce.  I first had this at an Italian Restaurant in Boston.   I've tried out a number of recipes - but none made me flip -- until, I made a recipe my own!  I took one off the internet  and added/changed a few things -- and woo hoo -- I finally have a recipe that takes me back to Boston!!!!!!!

If you are a pasta eating machine -- give this recipe a try. It's easy and DELICIOUS!!!

Penne with Prosciutto & Pink Vodka Sauce

Grocery List

1 lb penne pasta

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 small yellow onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic minced

.40 - .50 lb Prosciutto ham  (cut julienne)

28 oz can of Italian /Plum tomatoes (diced)

1 tbsp dried parsley flakes

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 cup vodka

8 oz (1 cup) heavy cream

1/2 c Parmesan cheese

Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan.

Add chopped onions and saute until tender.

Add garlic and julienned Prosciutto and saute for 1 more minute.

Drain juice from can of Italian/Plum tomatoes into pan, dice the tomatoes and add to pan.

Add parsley, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and vodka.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add heavy cream to sauce and reduce for about 15 minutes.

Cook penne according to the directions on the package.

Mix penne in sauce and add Parmesan cheese.  Mix again and serve.