This Sunday was absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed it with a day visit from Eric’s parents.

We started out with lunch in Capitola Village.  I am working on exploring the restaurants in my new and we decided to try Stockton Bridge Grille.

We were having a late lunch and had homemade dinner plans so we kept lunch on the small side and I’m pleased to say that everyone was really happy with what they ordered!

Around the table!

I had the large sea scallops tempura battered, served with sweet chile beurre blanc.

Eric had the Seared Ahi on a citrus spinach salad.  This had a great portion of ahi and each piece was perfect.

Michele had the calamari (loved the mango salsa with this!)

And Mike had the crab cake salad.

As I said, everyone really enjoyed their food and we were all impressed with the portions.

This ended up being the perfect lunch spot for a beautiful day and I’ll definitely go back for more of the small plates.  Thanks for treating us Mike and Michele!

The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging around the house chatting and watching football.  

It so doesn’t get old being able to see people hang out in my living room while I cook in the kitchen.

We relaxed while my Aunt Betsy made us all dinner- sort of.

You may remember that I was sent home with a large quantity of delicious homemade Christmas ravioli and sauce.  I already used the sauce to make lasagna but was still saving the ravioli for a special occasion and this was the perfect time.

I decided to make a Spicy Bacon Tomato Cream Sauce to go with them. 

This was the kind of cooking where you stand around chatting and drinking wine and throw stuff into a pan until it tastes good but I think I remember what I did.

Spicy Bacon Tomato Cream Sauce

(Makes enough for 4 with leftovers, would probably serve 6)

• 3 strips bacon
• 3 cloves grated or minced garlic
• a big pinch of chili flake
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/2-3/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes in olive oil
• 1 Pint (not the tiniest one but the next biggest, right?) heavy cream
• A big handful (probably 3/4 cup?) of grated parmigianno reggiano (I would bet Romano would also be great in this)
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper (don’t skip on the pepper)
• A big handful of fresh julienned basil

1. Chop bacon into small pieces and cook until crisp.  Set aside.  Pour off all but about a tablespoon of fat.
2. Add garlic and chili flake cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add wine, cook until it sizzles.
4. Add sundried tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes
5. Add cream and bring to simmer
6. Add cheese and stir
7. Taste for seasoning, salt and pepper as needed.
8. Stir in basil.

Toss with pasta of your choice.  In a perfect world you will use homemade ravioli.

I thought this sauce came out really well (I’m always a little more shy about saying something came out well [edited because I said 'came out good' and my dad texted me about it] when someone else actually tasted it).  It was definitely creamy and rich, bright from the tomatoes, basil and wine with a little kick from the chili flake and just a teeny bit of smoke from the bacon.

The ravioli were totally delicious per usual and I was so glad to be able to serve them to family.  They will always taste special to me.  Thank you so much, Bets, for sharing!!

Served with toasted pine nut green beans.  I use the steam in a bag Haricots Verts from Trader Joes for the world’s easiest vegetable side dish.  Steam and toss with olive oil, a bit of sesame oil, garlic salt and toasted pine nuts. 

And a big side of crusty bread fresh out of the oven.  I know, I know, I’m a one trick pony but this bread is so easy and doesn’t homemade bread make a meal feel a bit more special?

I only had ten hours to let this rise (as opposed to the twelve the recipe calls for) and I’m pleased to say that while a bit moister and more dense on the inside it still worked.

This meal was served with this delicious bottle of wine that we bought Eric’s dad for his birthday and he brought to share.  Can you say win win?

All together now.

It was so nice to be able to see Eric’s parents for the day and to share a couple wonderful meals and glasses of wine.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

What is your favorite pasta sauce to make for company?  Any restaurants is the Capitola/ Aptos/ Soquel area I have to try?