Dining In.

Since I have recently learned that 'Lazy Sunday' is more preferable to a 'Sunday Funday', especially come Monday morning, I have taken to making a cozy dinner for two (or sometime three or four) as opposed to passing out after far too many bottomless mimosas imbibed over the course of brunch on a patio.
I do, however, miss a good bloody mary. So, as a result - I created a Bloody Mary themed dinner menu last weekend, which was, if I do say so myself, quite delish. It may sound a bit odd, but the flavors all work together, a la a Bloody Mary, and it was really quite easy.
Mind you, these aren't my recipes, though I tweaked them a bit (and that's what you're reading) but the combination of the two were a hit!

Behold!

Penne Pasta with Spinach & Bacon, with a side of Lemon Horseradish New Potatoes.

Serves 4, with a side of warm French bread and butter.

Begin with the potatoes, and make the pasta while they cook.
(The toughest part about cooking is making sure everything is done at the same time!)

Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon
1 (12oz) package of Penne
2 tbs olive oil, divided
6 slices of bacon
2 tbs minced garlic
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
1 bunch fresh spinach, torn into bite sized pieces
Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook penne as per directions on the box.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place (cut up & separated  bacon in skillet and cook until browned and crisp. Add garlic and  and cook for about a minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook until heated through. 

3. Place spinach in a colander and drain hot pasta over it so it wilts. (Though, be careful not the let all the pasta dump on it at once, drain mainly the water, as to not over cook the 'nach.)

4. Transfer to a large serving bowl and toss with the remaining olive oil and the bacon/tomato mixture.

Sprinkle with Parm to your liking.

Lemon Horseradish New Potatoes
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbs prepared horseradish 
2 tbs fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 lbs small new potatoes, unpeeled.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Melt the butter in a small pan, over a low burner. Stir in salt, pepper, horseradish and lemon juice. 

3. Put potatoes in a 2 qt casserole dish and cover with melted butter sauce, mixing and coating them evenly. 

4. Cover with tin foil, and bake for 1 hour, or until tender.

It was all quite delish - and even though it is B.M. inspired, it is not at all bloody mary-esque. I just originally used that as a litmus of sorts to decide whether or not the two recipes worked together.
And they sure as Hell did

And yes, I'm boring now. Next up: An etiquette section!

Dahlink! You just cannot wear those shoes to an afternoon tea!

No but seriously, I would love that. I love that shit. If you have any burning questions feel free to put 'em in the comments. It'll give me something to do.