heaven in a pasta bowl

Butternut squash, pancetta, and cheese. How bad can this be, I thought. Seven or so ingredients, simple enough for a weekday meal. Sold! I shall make this tomorrow.

Those were just some of the thoughts going through my head last night as I watched the "Martha Stewart Show". I know, I know. But I was intrigued by all the NYC chefs she was featuring. I'm happy I stuck around. The first chef, Scott Conant, owner of Scarpetta, made this little, tantalizing concoction that I just had to tell you about, because I just ate it. Perhaps the perfect fall dish, but trust me, you can make it now and be oh-so-happy that you did. Pair with a nice bottle of, oh, I don't know...maybe Martin Ray Chardonnay and you'll be all set.

Penne with roasted butternut squash pancetta, and sage

loosely adapted from Scott Conant

1 medium (appx 2-1/4 lbs.) butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 to 4 tbsp olive oil

Coarse salt (kosher will work)

3/4 lb penne pasta (a box of whole grain fits the bill)

1/4 - 1/2 lb pancetta, sliced 1/4 inch thick and finely chopped

2 shallots, thinly sliced crosswise (I didn't have shallots and so used 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced and 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

10 fresh sage leaves, coarsely chopped or torn

1/2 cup finely grated pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving (a MUST!)

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place squash on a baking sheet and toss with 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil and season with kosher salt. Roast in oven until squash is browned and tender - between 15 and 30 minutes depending on your oven.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt water and add pasta. Cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add pancetta and cook until just crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add shallots (or my substitute), crushed red pepper, and sage. Cook until shallots are soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add squash and penne and toss gently. Add reserved pasta cooking liquid a little at a time until moistened to your liking.

Toss in cheese and black pepper and mix gently. Serve immediately with more grated Pecorino - YUM!

salad please

The gluttony must come to an end. I have consumed more sweets, snacks, and mashed potatoes than any one person should. I'm actually looking forward to salads, brown rice and fish!

One more party to go tonight, and then I swear, I'll stop. Really.

Plus, the mid-winter vacation is looming and I simply must trim up!

coconut macaroons

Such a festive cookie, and so easy!

adapted from Ina Garten

14 ounces sweetened, flaked coconut

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla (the good stuff)

2 extra large egg whites, at room temp

1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325.

Using the whisk attachment for your stand mixer, whip the egg whites and salt at high speed until they make medium-firm peaks.

Meantime, combine the coconut, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in medium bowl. Gently fold in egg whites. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment or a Silpat. Bake for 25-30 minutes - with a nice golden tinge on the edge of the coconut flakes. Cool and enjoy.

*Note: These would also be delish with the bottoms dipped in melted chocolate

my long lost blog!

How I have missed thee! The spirit of the season has caught up with me, and kept my from my blogging world. 

But a few things have been on my mind. I'm thinking about changing the blog up a bit. Perhaps much more of a food focus. You may know that I just love Sunday dinner. As a matter of fact, the past few have been quite something! So I'm considering reinventing Lipstick & Chardonnay. Problem is, my first choice for a new name - Sunday Dinner - is already taken! Aargh! What do you think about "Sunday's Dinner"?

Well, I have to make a decision. I mean, I've got rotisserie leg of lamb waiting in the wings!

Next item. I just received a "friend request" on Facebook that kind of freaked me out. Someone I met about 22 years ago on high school spring break. Nothing naughty happened, mind you! But after 22 years, really? Is it bad I didn't recoginze this persons name at first? Yikes. Not sure I want to accept this request.

And finally, I found THE cutest handbag today and wanted to share. Now, I don't think I'm a very good shopper. As a matter of fact, I'd like a personal shopper. But, one of my girlfriends had this bag - in the most beautiful blue if you can imagine...

It's from a company called Big Buddha. Ever heard of it? Darling, yes?!?