Since we are now back on a semi-normal work schedule, we’re eating much healthier. This week I had it in my head that I wanted Pasta Bolognese, so I found this recipe and it is delicious!

Bolognese Sauce

adapted from Epicurious and Mario Batalli

* 2 medium onions, finely chopped
* 4 celery ribs, finely chopped
* 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
* 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/4 pound pancetta or slab bacon, ground by butcher or thinly sliced and pulsed in food processor until finely chopped (naturally, our store didn’t have pancetta, so I used thick cut bacon, ground up in the food processor)
* 1 pound ground veal (I used grass fed beef from a local farm)
* 1 pound ground pork (not lean)
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste (I used 2 cans)
* 1 cup whole milk (I used half a cup of milk and half a cup of heavy cream)
* 1 cup dry white wine
* 1 cup water
* 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
* 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Cook onions, celery, carrot, and garlic in oil in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add  pancetta (or bacon), veal (or beef), and pork and cook over moderately high heat, stirring and breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, milk, wine, water, and thyme and gently simmer, covered, until sauce is thickened, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add salt and pepper and remove from heat.

Sauce may be made 2 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, before chilling, covered. Frozen, it keeps for 1 month.

We had the Bolognese last night with a big salad and it was delicious!!

Of course I had a perfect Pama Martini with my dinner (and a big glass of water).

Perfect Pama Martini

2 ounces vodka

1 ounce Pama

1 ounce triple sec

1 T fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Shake well and drink up. (you can see I’ve got the perfect shake, see the bits of ice that got through the strainer?)

I’ve also made some fun things in the Bake Shoppe this week, like Bourbon Pecan Tarts and Coconut Cupcakes. Both delicious and I’m sorry to say that I’ve eaten more than my fair share of both!!

Promise to share the sweets tomorrow!!