Hugo blogs,  Savoury

Spaghetti alla vodka and dogs on ditches

spagallavodka

HugojournoandJava

Hello everyone! Due to Broken Bossy’s temporary incapacitation I have taken on many extra responsibilities, including cooking and writing today’s blog. Obviously I’m quite exhausted, but BB is progressing very well, although she had a bit of a cold which caused her to utter eye-wateringly naughty words every time she sneezed. Still, on the bright side, at least she lost her voice for a bit which, believe me, had not been adversely affected by the accident. I don’t consult with Java on many subjects as I don’t ever believe she can contribute to my overflowing fountain of wisdom and knowledge, but I did ask her recently what she thought about the ditch incident. We are both completely flummoxed as to all the fuss and bother involved. How could you possibly hurt yourself so badly falling into one in the first place, and how could it take so long and involve so many people to get out? Java and I are in and out of ditches all day without so much as a blink of an eye, but Bossy? Not so; one little ditch visit and it’s pandemonium followed by wheelchair, crutches and an onslaught of barked commands for the next six weeks. I really don’t know why humans think they’re superior – they’re so fragile! I’m just glad to be a tough, ditch-smart dog.

I’m not an expert at cooking for humans so we’re eating lots of things from the freezer, which seems to be packed full of bags of tomato sauce. If you already have a good tomato sauce, this recipe is very easy and I thought that the vodka content might help with BB’s pain a bit!
Ingredients (serves 4)
250g spaghetti (I used spelt spaghetti)
Pinch of sea salt
300g fresh tomato sauce
75ml vodka
75ml cream
Grated Parmesan and freshly-ground black pepper for serving
Cook the pasta in salted water according to the instructions. Add the tomato sauce and vodka to a medium saucepan and heat for a few minutes, stirring well, until the mixture begins to reduce. Add the cream, stir to combine and then reduce heat and leave to simmer very gently for a few minutes. Combine the drained pasta and sauce and toss to mix well. Sprinkle on the Parmesan, grind on the pepper and serve.
This recipe has been submitted to the ‘Pasta Please Challenge’, hosted by Supper in the Suburbs and Tinned Tomatoes.

8 Comments

  • apuginthekitchen

    Hugo, keen observations and great writing. You know that dogs are superior in agility and balance to humans and the ditch although a minor obstacle for you and Java is a hazard for we with only two legs. Poor bossy, I do hope she is mending well and how wonderful the pasta dish is, very easy and delicious.

    • The Healthy Epicurean

      Thank you Mrs Pug! I was quite proud of this dish. I can always rely on you to write an encouraging and kind comment. I hadn’t thought about the two legs versus four legs aspect; we dogs are certainly superior from that point of view 😉 I hope you are well, Hugo x

  • efwalt

    Poor Bossy!!! I’ve been stuck in a ditch and it certainly does take quite a few pairs of hands to help get you out… (metaphorically speaking that is!) Vodka in tomato sauce is a great idea for pain relief and otherwise! Thanks for sharing with #PastaPlease 🙂

  • kellie anderson

    Hugo has a delightful bedside manner 😉 What he lacks in compassion (and the same can be said of Java) he makes up for in wit and kitchen skill. adorable post and crave-able recipe. Hope you are healing nicely and able to get back in the saddle before too long. All best, Kellie

    • The Healthy Epicurean

      His kitchen skills are second to none, as is his incisive wit – I’m so lucky to have him! My accident was five weeks ago today and I’m healing quite well thank you, although certainly won’t be back in the saddle for the foreseeable 😉

Leave a Reply