As many of you know I have been traveling quite a bit lately and I have learned some very valuable lesson in all my travels that I thought I should share.



1. When traveling over seas or hell any flight over 6 hours, start drinking at the airport because well alcohol makes it better and will hopefully help you sleep.
2. If the airport gets closed because of weather or a man made disaster it is not your significant others fault and you should probably not take it out on them.
3. However, if the airport does get closed and you blame your significant other the first round of cocktails and maybe some other favors (Mom, don't read that part) should be on you...once you land cause you were wrong.
4. Plan on the fact that you are going to forget something...razor, toothbrush, glasses, etc.
5. Do not eat the peanuts or drink tomato juice (I know I was raised on tomato juice on planes too) on a plane...we all retain water on planes naturally...avoid the salt or you will get cankles #notsexy
6. If you have to drink tomato juice at least have them mix it with bloody mary mix and maybe some vodka so you are not aware of the fact that you have cankles
7. Always check your luggage because the less you have to keep track of the more you can drink
8. Count your luggage so you always know how many pieces of luggage you are supposed to come out of the security line with...nope I never left my purse at TSA in Seattle #awkward
9. When you are flying to your destination dress to impress because you never know when you need good customer service aka. the ability to sweet talk TSA, ticket agent, etc to give you a cut in line, get you to a gate on time, etc.
10. When you are flying home always be prepared to give up your seat...even though it never happens except for when you need to be somewhere at a certain time.

Ok now back to the fact that this is a food blog. So the other night I made Fresh Tomato, Sausage and Pecorino Pasta, which is a great summer pasta recipe that is easy, flavorful and tasty.

So cook the pasta like you normally do...I always salt my pasta water...but do whatever you like...and I don't usually add olive oil.

Saute 8 oz of Italian sausage in olive oil. Remove the casings because sausage casings are well...kind of like chewing on condoms...or at least that is what they remind me of. The recipe calls for sweet sausages, however if you like a little kick to your food, you could totally use spicy sausage and it would be awesome! And oh yeah add the chopped onion to the pan too and cook until the sausage is browned.



Next add the garlic and the chopped tomatoes. This is the perfect time of year for this recipe as the tomatoes have a ton of flavor and they are truly in season. Cook for 2-4 minutes and remove the sausage/tomato mixture from the heat.

Stir in the pasta, 2 T Pecorino cheese which is in the Parmesan family, salt and pepper.

Top with additional Pecorino and fresh chopped basil.





8 ounces uncooked penne
8 ounces sweet Italian sausage
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup vertically sliced onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/4 pounds tomatoes, chopped
6 tablespoons grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add sausage and onion to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring to crumble sausage. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pasta, 2 tablespoons cheese, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and basil.

I love the tomatoes they are summery and fresh tasting and they compliment the nutty flavor of the Pecorino cheese. The sausage and pasta add some incredible flavor and this recipe is seriously quick and easy for those crazy weeknights. This can be paired with a white or red wine so if you need something cool on a hot summer night open a bottle of white and if you want something a little more robust a red would work as well. Cheers and Happy Travels!