Penne with Summer Garden Goodness


This is one of those “what’s in the fridge/garden” meals.

1/4 c. small dice pancetta
1/2 a red onion, diced
2 small leeks, diced
1 small fennel bulb, diced

Caramelize the heck out of all that. If you have a good range hood/fan and the nerve, deglaze with vodka. I tried it, it flamed up in an awesome, cool, spectacular room. My 5-year-old thought it was really awesome. I blew it out and still have my hair and eyebrows (and kitchen) but easily could have caught everything on fire so BE CAREFUL!!! Do not say I told you to do this!

Once the vodka is cooked down, add:
A handful of baby spinach
A few tablespoons each of thyme and marjoram
2 minced garlic cloves

Cook until spinach is wilted.

Turn off heat and add:
3 cups chopped heirloom tomatoes
1/3 c. chopped basil
salt and pepper

Toss the mixture with penne pasta and enjoy!