Chef for Hire

My brother, God love him, isn't the world's greatest cook. So, in an effort to surprise his very pregnant wife, he enlisted me, ME, mother to two (three if you count Blake and I usually do), tired and dragging, to help him out in his effort.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good love story.

Something simple, he says, something tasty, he says. But nothing else. Huh? Um, help here pal…

So, what I decided on was this. Thank you, Rachael Ray.

You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta Recipe (um, hellllooooo… he's already married… even if it was pretty shotgun-like…)

(Courtesy Rachael Ray)

This recipe will make enough for 2 couples. If you plan a romantic evening where more than two's a crowd, reserve half the sauce to freeze for another supper before the addition of basil, and only cook 1/2 to 2/3 pound of penne.

(It's obvious she's never had to feed either my brother OR my husband…)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream

1 tablespoon butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 shallots, minced

1 cup vodka

1 cup chicken stock

1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)

Coarse salt and pepper

16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate

1/2 cup heavy cream

20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

Crusty bread, for passing

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots. Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add vodka to the pan, 3 turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce vodka by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Pass pasta with crusty bread.

Just don't forget the extra vodka needed to soothe your very frazzled nerves at the end of the cooking…

What's that, Blake? Oh, of course I'm still nursing. Nooooo, not me. I'd NEVER dream of drinking while nursing your child. *whispers to audience* I've always wondered if that was what happened to him…

Yes dear.

On my way, dear.

Men.

Can't live with 'em and you still can't shoot 'em…

~Ali (and her leftover farfalle with vodka sauce…)