Sometimes spontaneous meals are the best meals...

This past weekend, two of my little ones and I jumped in the car and took a roadtrip to see my little sister and my new twin nephews. They are oh, so beautiful and sweet...this is the first time I've actually seen them (aside from pictures)! It was a rainy, relaxed weekend and time just seems to fly when you're visiting with loved ones (especially when you haven't seen them in a while), so before we knew it, our stomachs were rumbling. My mom was there, too...we jumped in the car and she took me to this fabulous Italian market (G.B. Russo & Son) because she knew I would love it. She was right. And how ridiculous is it to go shopping when you're starving?! They carry so many meats, olive oils, cheeses and lots of wine (with loads, yes loads of it at Bargain Basement prices!!!). But, we ended up finding some beautiful sausages at their meat counter... a double-wine and cheese sausage...some pasta and freshly grated cheeses and olive oil and some jarred roasted red peppers and some wine...and somehow we made it out of there and back to my sister's kitchen in a decent amount of time. My one complaint was that they didn't carry fresh produce. Luckily my sis had an onion, a green bell pepper and some garlic. We rustled up a can of mushrooms to add to the mix and voila...a delicious and comforting meal on this cozy, rainy, family-filled day! (I try to always have my camera with me, too.) Penne w/ Sausage and Peppers by girlichef First, I browned up a pound of sausages in a cast-iron skillet. When they're done, cut them on the bias. Put a pot of salted water on to boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Slice up some onion and bell peppers; add them to the rendered sausage fat in your skillet. Saute until they start to carmelize. Add some minced garlic and cook down for another minute or two. Next I sliced the roasted red peppers and added those along with a can of mushrooms to the pan. Then add the sliced sausages back to pan. Once these are all hot, add your pasta with a little bit of the cooking water. I added a jar of good Marinara sauce, also from the Italian market. Use your favorite or some homemade if it's ready. Stir it all around until it bubbles. Sprinkle with some freshly grated parmesan and add a little Italian seasoning, salt & pepper to taste. Scoop a heaping spoonful (or 3) onto a plate or into a bowl. Sprinkle with more parmesan and some grated mozzarella. Enjoy a tummyful of warmth. Add some crusty bread or garlic bread and a glass of wine and family or friends...sit back and relax. Here's to throwing together last minute meals and spending time with loved ones...Salute!