Meet the Parents

My parents, at my best friend Dayna's wedding

This weekend my mom and dad came up for a visit. Charlie and I were so excited to show them our new home and take them on a tour of our neighborhood and surrounding area. And, of course, I was super excited to cook up a couple of awesome meals in my own kitchen! Here's what was on the menu.

Pasta with Vodka Sauce
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Chopped garlic to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1 can 28 oz. crushed tomatoes with added puree
1/2 pint heavy cream
2 tbsp. vodka
Chopped parsley to taste and garnish
1 lb. pasta (I prefer Penne)

Saute garlic and red pepper in olive oil. Add tomatoes, stir until bubbly. Add heavy cream and stir. Add vodka and simmer. Drain pasta, add to sauce, let thicken. Garnish with parsley.

Ice Cream Cake
1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Thin chocolate wafer cookies
Homemade whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp. confectioner's sugar mixed until stiff peaks)

Line a 9-inch loaf pan with wax paper. Layer crushed chocolate wafer cookies, followed by ice cream, then whipped cream, then crushed peanut butter cups. Repeat. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve.

Bacon, Tomato & Cheddar Breakfast Bake with Eggs

Click here for the recipe.