Creamy Basil Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes

I have been on the lookout for polenta based recipes and having been pinning and saving them left and right.  This one touted its ease and deliciousness and I thought I would give it a try on this perfect fall day in Chicago.  The roasted garlic and tomatoes have filled my house with amazing smells in addition to the combination of polenta, parmesan cheese and basil simmering on the stove top.  Today marks the first day of “going dark” with my nail polish for the season…bring on the dark reds, greys, deep purples and blacks!  Gotta love fall!

Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce

 One of my fond memories from college was serving on my sorority’s executive board.  Despite being a while ago this blog recipe was inspired by a memory from that time.  While on the Exec Board we would occasionally invite fraternity exec boards over to discuss upcoming events and we would cook dinner.  One of those times we made a vodka pasta sauce that I absolutely loved.  Unfortunately I never got ahold of that recipe, but I decided to  try my hand at making it this weekend.  It was super easy and turned out just the way I like it!  The alcohol in the vodka burns off and it leave the sauce with a great little zing to it.  Enjoy!

Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Spinach

Pasta…the dish that can instantly put you in a good mood.  A few months ago I was traveling a good amount and when it finally came to an end, I went in search of a comfort food recipe.  I stumbled across this one on Pintrest and LOVED it!  Such great flavors with the caramelized onions, mushrooms and spinach.  The directions and ingredients seem a bit long, but don’t let it scare you away, it is a pretty easy dish to make.  With another blast of polar air heading to the Midwest this week, I would definitely suggest adding it to the dinner rotation this week.  Enjoy!