Recipes: One-Pot Bacon and Vodka Sauce and Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail

Recipes

ONE-POT BACON & VODKA PASTA SAUCE

(Without Vodka)

It’s creamy, rich in flavor, and takes less than 10 minutes to make. Perfect for those cozy weeknights or date nights in!

INGREDIENTS • 17.5 oz. Pennette Pasta • 8 slices Bacon, chopped finely • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 1 small Yellow Onion, finely chopped • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced • 6 oz. Tomato Pasta • 1 tsp. Oregano, freshly chopped or dried • 1/2 tsp. Salt • 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper • 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream • 1 - 1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan • 2 tbsp. Fresh Parsley, chopped • 1 tsp. Chili Pepper Flakes • Mozzarella, for serving • Fresh Basil, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Remove 3/4 cup pasta water to set aside. Drain the pasta and toss in olive oil.

2. In the same pot, add the chopped bacon to cook until crispy. Remove the bacon.

3. Add the olive oil into the same pot over medium high heat.

4. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir constantly, sautéing until golden, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

6. Once well combined, stir in the heavy cream and reserved 3/4 cup pasta water.

7. Bring to a low boil, then stir in the grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili pepper flakes.

Recipes

DRINKS

SPARKLING BLOOD ORANGE MOCKTAIL

This winter mocktail is made with simple ingredients for a refreshing and nonalcoholic drink that can be made and served on Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, or simply a girls’ night in!

INGREDIENTS • 8 oz. Blood Orange, freshly squeezed juice • 4 oz. Sparkling Water • 1 tbsp. Maple Syrup • 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract • 1/2 Lime, juiced • Fresh Rosemary (optional), for garnish INSTRUCTIONS 1. Add the blood orange and lime juice into a jar with a lid or cocktail shaker, then add the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Shake well.

2. Add ice cubes to two glasses, then pour evenly the blood orange mix. Top with sparkling water and garnish with rosemary and a slice of blood orange. Enjoy immediately. Cheers!

For more achievable drink ideas to healthy dinners that’ll happily feed the family and everything in between follow Lauren online @brightmomentco and discover her blog ABrightMoment.com