Penne a la Betsy...Food for a Broken Heart

Me & GrannyRene...Having fun in the kitchen.

***This post is going to be difficult for me.  I'm writing this entry at the end of what has easily been one of the hardest weeks I've ever been through.  On the morning of March 5th, I found out that my GrannyRene had been rushed to the hospital.  She passed away later that afternoon.  It was so unexpected.  We had to say goodbye way too early, and my heart is broken.

My GrannyRene was one of the strongest people that I've ever known...Strong in every way.  She was so kind and loving...and was incredibly involved in the community...especially her church.  She volunteered so much of her time, because she truly enjoyed helping people and doing her part to make this world a little brighter.  She's taught me so many things through the years, including the fact that we have to take one day at the time...and that's exactly what I'll have to do. I know she's smiling down on me right now.

GrannyRene had a knack for making everyone feel loved...and you were richly blessed to have her in your life.  She was beautiful, classy, and a tremendous cook!  In fact, she was famous around here for her Chicken & Dumplings.  You may even remember THIS POST, where I shared her recipe.  The hand-written recipes and photos from that particular post are things that I will treasure forever.  She was so proud of this food blog and told so many people about it. She was so excited when she read that post and saw those photos.

I do find peace in the fact that she's with my grandfather, Papa, right now.  They loved each other so much, and I can't imagine how happy they are to finally be together again.  I have also found that getting back into the kitchen has been soothing...it puts me at ease and reminds me of GrannyRene. 

This is the dish that got me back into the kitchen.  Cooking can calm the mind, and making this pasta did just that.  It was just what I needed...comfort food to the highest degree.  It's easy to put together, and the taste is truly outstanding.  The creamy tomato sauce is brightened by the fresh basil and parsley.  This is a meal that feels luxurious and would be a great dish for a dinner party...easy, stress-free, but sure to impress.

I'm so blessed to have such wonderful memories of my GrannyRene...I know she'll continue to live on in our hearts forever.  I love you, GrannyRene...

Until next time...Bon Appetit!***

Penne a la Betsy
Source:  The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

¾ pounds Penne Pasta
1 pound Shrimp
3 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Onion (small)
2 cloves Garlic
½ cups White Wine
1 can Tomato Sauce (8 Oz)
1 cup Heavy Cream
Fresh Parsley, to taste
Fresh Basil, to taste
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Directions:
Cook the penne pasta until tender-firm, also known as al dente.

Peel, devein and rinse (under cool water) 1 pound of extra large shrimp. Heat about 1 tbsp. butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for a couple minutes until just opaque. Do not overcook them. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Now, put the cooked shrimp on the cutting board and pull off the tails. Chop the shrimp into bite –sized pieces and set aside.

Finely dice one small onion. Mince two cloves of garlic.

In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the garlic and onion and sauté, stirring occasionally. After the garlic and onions have cooked a bit add your white wine. Let the wine evaporate for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. If you would rather not use wine, you can use low-sodium chicken broth instead (about ½ cup).

Now add an 8-ounce can of plain tomato sauce. Stir well until combined. Then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue stirring. Turn heat down to low and let simmer.

Now chop your herbs, about a tablespoon of chopped parsley and about the same amount of chopped basil, or if you’re feeling very proper, chiffonaded.

Now add your chopped shrimp back into the tomato cream sauce. Give it a stir and add salt and pepper to taste. Throw in your herbs and stir until combined. Finally add your cooked penne pasta and give it a good stir.