Another Tuscan Thursday

Today is the 21st day of March. It’s California Strawberry Day, Corn Dog Day and Crunch Tacos Day. It’s also Thursday. In our house, unless trumped by a Holy Feast Day or big National Holiday like Thanksgiving, an Italian Inspired Supper will usually grace our table.

Things are beginning to settle back into their normal routine on the homefront. This vacation held so many firsts for us, but in particular for me. At times in the past, when it comes to vacation accommodations, Hubby and I don’t always agree. I look for lodgings that have a homey-feel, with at the least a kitchenette if not a full kitchen. Often when we are on the road, I’ll make breakfast and pack a lunch for whatever adventures lay ahead for the day. I also do things like wash dishes, make beds and generally putter about our home away from home. Kiddo has teased me, saying the hotel has people for that. They think I don’t know how to relax. I do – and puttering is relaxing.

This cruise vacation was the first time ever that I spent sixteen days striped of my normal “duties” – no cooking, no cleaning, no domestic responsibilities. The only times I’ve not cared for my family while on vacation have been on cruise ships and past cruises were only for a week. For some reason cruise ships really do frown on cooking in your stateroom. I still clean, to an extent, but that’s about it. I felt like a Queen. And as nice as that was, it’s not a role I’m cut out for every day. I am glad to be back in my kitchen, spending hours sifting through recipes and creating meals for the most important people in my life – my guys. There is no greater joy than to care for others.

Milanese Style Penne with Sweet Sausage
1 lb Penne Pasta
1 lb Italian Link Sausage
1/4 cup or so White Wine
1-1/2 cups Heavy Cream
Pinch Saffron
1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning to taste
Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
Fresh Parsley, garnish

In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente, about 9 minutes. Remove pasta from the pot; retaining a portion of the pasta water.

Meanwhile, heat a heavy skillet over medium heat; brown sausage in the skillet. Add wine, cover and let steam in the wine for about 5 minutes or so. Remove cooked sausage from the skillet, let cool.

Add cream to the hot skillet, lower heat and simmer cream for 4 minutes. Add saffron, then Parmesan Cheese and let sauce reduce to a thicker consistency. Lightly chop the sausage; add to the sauce. Season with Italian Seasoning. Continue to simmer over low heat until the pasta is ready. Immediately add the pasta to the sauce; season with salt and fresh black pepper. Toss to coat well. If necessary, thin the sauce with a little of the pasta.

Transfer to a large serving platter, garnish with snips of parsley.

Serve alongside a crisp salad, and savor every delicious bite.

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He, the Lord, is our God;
throughout the earth His judgments prevail.