I confess that, with the exception of a slighly over-salted eggplant parm on Christmas Eve, I did very little cooking this holiday season- especially when compared to Ms. Emily. I spent most of my holiday out of the kitchen and at the table, with varying degrees of success.   However, this Christmas I made of with a haul of kitchen gadgets so amazing that I almost believe in Santa again.  The past week with no job and tons of snow I’ve had nothing to do but try all of these handy gadgets out.  It has been f*ing awesome.   Here are the highlights:

Le Creuset French Oven: Like Mo, I was also gifted one of the Holy Grails of stovetop cooking equiptment- the Le Creuset French Oven.  Mind was a beyond lovely surprise from my Man Crow.  I am in love.  I have so far cooked: Black Bean Soup and Lentil Soup in it, but am still searching for a recipe to do it justice- something meat-free (fish ok!) that involves browning  and then simmering in a sauce.  Suggestions welcome.

The Cuiseart Food Processor: I think I connected with Tim the Toolman Taylor on a deep level the moment I pressed start on this bad boy.  Ho ho Ho.  This baby gets and A+ for raw, untamed power and I feel like such a spoiled girl everytime I look in my pantry and see that gorgeous stainless steal staring back at me.  It even has a setting for dough.  A gift from my Ma. Have made: pesto, black bean soup, broccoli and mashed potatoes.

Cast Iron Frying Pan: From Holly.  Amazing.  I <3 it, seasoned it, use it for everything.  No more explanation needed.

Pasta Maker:  Yay!  Love making pasta, and now it is super easy, way more uniform, and awesome.  Aunt Shirley, I hope you are reading this and  know that I love the pasta maker.  I squealed the first time it pushed out a perfect sheet. It sits next to my food processor and they tell each other constantly how shinny and gorgeous they each look.  They make my mixer and George Forman jealous. I made linguini to go with that pesto the other night and every strand was eaten.  Next mission: ravioli.

Apple Pealer: From my Man Crow’s Mom for useing when I am feeling particularly domestic and need to bake an apple pie.  It took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out how to use, and as a result I had to eat a LOT of apples before they went brown.  It is super cool though, and apparently skins potatoes as well.  Plus, it is a shiny red.  I see lots of pies in my future….

A year since I was granted the recipe for one of the finest sauces I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. A sauce so good that it puts most people in a prolonged state of pure joy (or a straight-up food coma). I’m talking about pasta’s BFF-the vodka sauce.

Some friends of mine came to visit recently and I found myself in a frenzy trying to find a dish that would be (A) filling, (B) delicious, and (C) special enough for some out-of-town guests. Presto vodka sauce! While my sauce simmered, we sipped on the Ommegang brew, “Three Philosphers” and munched on mustard cheese, salami and fresh bread.

A friend of mine passed on this easy and delicious recipe and I’ve stuck by it ever since. You can tweak to make it your own but this version is wonderful on its own! Bon appetit!

Vodka Sauce

1 stick butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic

1 cup vodka (I used Stoli, but any decent vodka will do)

2 (28oz.) cans diced tomatoes

1/2 pint heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, melt down butter and cook onions and garlic-about 10 minutes. Add vodka and simmer over low heat for another 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes.

While stirring, slowly add heavy cream. Add peas and cook until heated through.

Serve over your favorite pasta!

It is (sadly) the end of summer. But before the colder months officially set in there is one of my favorite foodie seasons- tomato season. Tomatoes are gorgeous right now- and the crows have been snacking on big, plump, brightly colored heirlooms sliced onto fresh bread.