We had last-minute company for dinner tonight, and when my friend asked what I was planning on making, I drew a blank. It was noon and I just hadn’t thought that far ahead, so you KNOW I was going to keep it simple.
She asked about the Penne with Vodka Sauce that I had made once before for them, and that was perfect. A plan quickly came together and all was right with the world. Well, my world.
The dish served many purposes … I knew the kids would like it (and can I tell you how FAST they inhaled their platefuls?!), it was a perfect weeknight meal, and better still, it served as my ARF/5-A-Day contribution for tonight’s roundup. If you haven’t tried it yet, do! It’s the only way we make penne with vodka sauce and seriously could not be easier. Quick enough for a harried weeknight, yet fancy enough that it still works for having guests over, without keeping you slaving over the hot stove all day. That’s my kind of recipe!
A year ago today… a Nicholas-approved salad.
Two years ago today… an OMG starter.
Even though ARF/5-A-Day went on a brief holiday hiatus, that didn’t stop food bloggers from participating, so we have a little catch-up to do. Let’s get going.
Sarah from What Smells So Good is taking care of her sweet tooth (and ours!) with her Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles. Need we remind you that chocolate is GOOD for you?
And then on New Years’ Day, Sarah gave broccoli a twist with her Pomodoro rendition:
Claire from Cooking Is Medicine is also thinking green for the new year and gives us Green Bean Bundles. Hello bacon!
And then Claire followed up the beans with roasted potatoes, one of the few ways that The Husband will eat potatoes. And I completely agree with Claire – don’t peel the potatoes, that’s where all the good vitamins are!
The Chocolate Lady is up to her old tricks, contributing something I’ve heard of, but never tasted or cooked. This time, it’s all about mangosteens.
Mediterranean Cooking in Alaska is serving up the very delicious looking Fig Tapenade, Garlicky Goat Cheese Spread, and Garlic Croutons. Sounds incredible!
Newcomer Diet, Dessert and Dogs goes the baked route for her first contribution … Pear and Ginger Mini Loaves:
Another newcomer for our roundup is A Suitable Spice with the very divine Cracked Potatoes. I am SO making these:
More Bread and Cheese, Please is back, this time with Brussels Sprouts. I’m glad she loves them, because she can have my share. I think it might be the ONE green vegetable I just don’t like … but I gotta say, hers look downright yummy!
This is a great week for newcomers — welcome The Cook Mobile to our round-up with her Berry Crumble. A perfect cold weather dessert that you can feel good about.
Blog Appetit gives a bar favorite a healthier twist with her Buffaloed Chicken … those picky eaters just might not mind the spinach:
The Modern Apron is back, with the perfect, healthy starter for your next dinner party, White Bean Spread with Sage:
Sarah from Sarah’s Cucina Bella continues her quest to get 2008 off to a healthy start with her Strawberry Kiwi Fool:
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Yay for new people!!! What a great round-up!
Wonderful roundup Cate, with some interesting recipes — especially yours – vodka with pasta, what a concept!