Sometimes Simple, Sometimes Grand, Always Declicious
Easter is finally upon us. As you know, my clan is celebrating in true family fashion this year with a trip to Disney. As we wrap up on our last day in the land of the mouse, I thought it might be appropriate to put up a post showcasing some of my favorite Easter creations I’ve discovered from around the food blogosphere this spring season.
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Lyndsay is one of my favorite food bloggers. I’ve been following her recipes for awhile now. She always seems to know exactly what I’m in the mood for and then she seals the deal with gorgeous shots that would make anyone crave a bit of what she’s just created. If you don’t believe me, check out this incredible lemon pie. And when you’re finished oohing and ahhing, head over to Lyndsay’s blog; Pinch of Yum for more taste tantalizing treats.
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Calling all lemon lovers! And all non-lemon lovers! It really doesn’t matter what your thoughts are on lemon desserts, because this is a dessert in a league entirely of its own.
I will be the first to admit that I typically don’t like lemon-y sweets. Lemon bars, lemon pies, lemon curd? None of it really appeals to me. However, I absolutely love this pie. That’s my testimonial for all the non-lemon lovers . Just give it a try. I dare you not to like it.
And why wouldn’t you try it, since you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now?
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I’m thrilled to have Christy from Fudge Ripple as a guest poster for Mommie Cooks today! Her unique writing style drew me instantly into her blog and the delicious recipes keep me coming back for more. I hope you enjoy reading and tasting her delicious creations as much as I do. When you’re finished here, be sure to stop over and check out her blog. I promise you won’t be disappointed. On with the show!
when i received Julie’s kind invitation
to share a recipe with all of you
i got so excited
i had so many ideas about what i should share
and this one stuck
a recipe
that brings back memories of my wonderful
grandma
today
i share with you
spaghetti alla vodka
made with vodka soaked tomatoes
this is really simple. peel tomatoes and cram into a jar, use a skewer to secure tomatoes if they start to float to the top. fill the jar with vodka and store in the refrigerator for at least 5 days. i make several jars because i like to use the tomatoes and the vodka for my sauce. leftover vodka is really great for a bloody mary pick me up.
spaghetti alla vodka
1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice
olive oil
1/2 of small onion–finely diced
2 garlic cloves–finely diced
6-8 basil leaves–chiffonade
1 large tin peeled whole tomatoes or combination of vodka soaked tomatoes and tinned tomatoes to equal about 4 cups whole
1/2-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup tomato soaked vodka (or other vodka you have on hand)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan plus more for serving
cook pasta in salted water, according to package instructions. cook onions and garlic in olive oil over low heat. meanwhile, place the tomatoes in a food processor or blender and pulse until it is smooth. do not allow the onions and garlic to brown, but let them begin to soften and become translucent. at this point, add the tomatoes and vodka and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes. add the basil, red pepper flakes and heavy cream and allow to heat through. stir in parmesan, then toss drained pasta in. if the sauce seems too thick, use a bit of the pasta water. shave a bit of parmesan on top of each individual serving, along with additional crushed red pepper, if you like spicy.
Wish us luck. Tomorrow Scott and I are driving the boys to Disney World for a week of fun rides, expensive food, and overtired children. Nick, my oldest, has been planning our schedule out for the past week and a half now. See that 123% down there at the bottom? I’ve been told that’s the percentage of fun he’ll have if we ride all his requested rides.
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The voting over at the Rice Krispies Facebook page is officially up and running! If you have a minute head over and cast a vote for Team Asheville’s entries. We’re the top four pictures listed. Thanks so much and I’ll let you know the results as soon as they’re announced.
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Cordon Bleu is one of those dishes that instantly takes me back to my childhood days. My family spent all their vacations up in Northern Wisconsin at my grandparents cottage on Rest Lake. We enjoyed summers frolicking in the water and digging never-ending holes to China, and winters planting our tip-ups on the iced over lake in the hopes of catching that one lucky fish. I still remember venturing out on the boat one warm summer morning with my grandfather on a hunt for muskies; one of the biggest and baddest lake fish there is, and the exact moment that one actually started to follow my line towards the boat. I began to reel faster and faster; there was no way I was going to let that fish actually catch my line!
When we arrived home from our fishing expedition, my grandmother had put together a lunch for us of cordon bleu with mushroom sauce. She was a big fan of the Schwan man (still is) and would always have a pack of their cordon bleu on hand. Oh how I loved those chicken filled treats. I used to look forward to visiting my grandma Mimi just so I could get my hands on one of them.
Today my grandmother lives in Arizona and we don’t get out to visit her and my grandfather nearly as much as we’d like. My grandfather’s 87th birthday was a few weeks back and it reminded me of those younger times up at the cottage. This dish is a way to bring back those cherished moments and to say thank you to my grandparents for all the wonderful memories and love they continue to pour over me to this day.
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Before I jump into today’s recipe, I need to put a few items on the table. First up, a quick reminder that today is the last day to enter the $100 Visa card giveaway! Be sure to get your name in the hat. I’ll be announcing the winner on this post tomorrow night around 8pm with the help of random.org. And second, starting the week after Easter, I’ll be moving from three posts a week to two. Posts will mainly be published on Tuesday and Friday with an occasional extra post thrown in for good measure. With the growth of Mommie Cooks, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up a three posts a week schedule and still have time left over to spend with my boys. I love Mommie Cooks, but family time is vital and will always come first. My hope is that dropping down to two days a week will accord me the best of both worlds; spending quality time with my family while still having the ability to participate in a community I’ve come to need and love.
UPDATE: When all was said and done, I had 169 comments to choose from. Thank you so much for all the support, you guys rock! After entering the number into random.org, the winner of the $100 Visa Gift card is…… Comment number 63!! PattyPro, congrats! I’ll be in touch through email to get your information. 🙂
Enough announcements; I’m pretty sure you’re itching to cook up a little Asian salad. I know I sure am.
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