My Recipe Box - Penne with Vodka Sauce

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Penne with Vodka Sauce
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic-minced
Hot sauce to taste
Sea salt
1-28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 pound penne gluten free
2 tablespoons vodka
1 cup heavy cream


1. In an unheated skillet large enough to add the pasta later, combine the oil, garlic, hot sauce and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring to coat with the the oil. Cook over low-moderate heat for 2-3 minutes. Do NOT brown garlic. Add crushed tomatoes. Stir to blend, and simmer, uncovered until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. (This step is super important. The sauce needs to thicken for the flavors to intensify. So the amount of time you cook it is less important than the consistency. You may need to cook it longer than 15 minutes.) Taste for seasoning.

2. Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt and the penne. Stir to prevent sticking and cook until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

3. Add the drained pasta to skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss. Add the vodka, and toss again, then add the cream and toss. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb sauce.

Sunday May 15 - Goritsy, Russia

DAY 7, Sunday - Monastery of St. Cyril
Arrive in Goritsy, an old Russian town of rich historical and cultural heritage. Today, visit the Monastery of St. Cyril, one of Russia's largest monasteries. Established in 1397 on the bank of Lake Siverskoye, the monastery of St. Cyril was once home to the largest monastery church in Northern Russia, the Assumption cathedral, which still stands today. The monastery's fortifying walls, which measure 2400-feet-long and 22 feet thick, are an impressive sight, home to several towers including the Chasuble, the Vologda, and the Tent-like. Sail this afternoon for the island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vodka & Blini Tasting Party (PM)

Enjoy an on board party sampling some traditional Russian food and drink. You will have the opportunity to taste five different kinds of Vodka while enjoying some traditional music and Blinis, Russian crepes served with caviar, pickled vegetables and other savory foods.

Overnight: Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning was spent at leisure until we arrived at Goritsy at 1:00. We then met dockside for a short ten minute transfer o the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, a well-preserved fortress-like 14th century monastery sitting on the White Lake where it is said if you wash your face in it twice you will become younger.

We left Goritsy at 4pm and headed to the vodka tasting on board at 4:15. The Neva bar was very nicely set up and there were five types of vodka set out for each guest. There was also herring, bread, pickles and cole slaw.

The guides then gave a small history of vodka and taught us some Russian toasts. "May you love your wife and your girlfriend and may they never meet". There was some traditional dancing with an accordion supplying the music. This was very enjoyable, however, they rushed through it and we went done in an hour. This seems to be a problem with most activities they feel you are done in an hour.

Dinner

Thirsty Tuesday - Toronto

Ad on sidewalk on Adelaide St.

Thirsty Tuesday - Toronto

Really cool billboard on a pub near the office.

Full ad from across the street - tall green and white building in background houses our office.