Sausage, Red Bell Pepper & Refrigerator Raid Pasta...what else can I call it?

I have been too busy to even start decorating my house for Christmas-- let alone, set up the Christmas tree!  Where does the time go? Who took it?  I am so backed up with unpublished and unedited dinners, cakes, desserts and home baked breads-- that y'all must think my stove died. Nothing could be farther from the truth!  On Saturday, I made a chocolate cake with a white chocolate mousse filling (for a church auction)... which is a funny story because I don't consider myself a cake decorator and I had no idea how to make  a white chocolate mousse-- but it turned out great!

On Sunday, I made cream of broccoli soup,  raspberry coulis sauce (for the leftover mousse, to make parfaits), a turkey breast roast and a complete German dinner of a pork roast, potato dumplings and red cabbage!  I hope to get those posted soon, but Christmas is coming at warp speed!

I got a little carried away at Costco, about two weeks ago, so I've vowed to make recipes based on what's in my pantry and what's in my refrigerator.  Did I mention that we finally bought a brand new refrigerator? I didn't?  That happened in mid October, when Consumer Reports says is the best time to find a bargain on refrigerators. Do I hear an "Amen"?

Photo from Samsung Website. Our fridge is in black.

Yes, it's a beauty, too. All 29 cu.ft. of French Door, freezer on the bottom wide open space-- with all kinds of bells and whistles.  My veggies seem to last forever-- and, halleluiah, our 17 cu.ft. fridge is now in the garage-- where I can store cold drinks and all kinds space-- it's a new frontier!  We got a great deal on it-- HALF of what you think we'd pay, zero interest for 12 months and free delivery...but that's another story.  I'm a very happy home cook, to say the least.

On the way home from work, I started doing a mental inventory on what to make for dinner-- another sign that I'm busy. I usually have a meal plan for the whole week-- but not this time! I had some Italian sausage leftover from a lentil sausage soup I made (yet to blog about), half a red bell pepper, some fresh spinach and some cremini mushrooms.  So, I just started cooking, and didn't even dig out my camera. I was listening to one of the best audio books of all time (my personal opinion) called "The Help", by Kathryn Stockett. This book has been the buzz of book clubs, and I can see why!  When I've got my iPod tucked into my kitchen apron, and I'm totally engrossed into a well narrated story-- it's "Goodbye Irene".  I'm choppin', and cookin' (the story is based in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 60's, so I've got that Southern twang goin' on in my head), I started creating something that I had no idea would turn out so delicious.

Sausage, fresh spinach, cremini mushrooms, red bell pepper and penne pasta...

Seasoned with garlic and my own blend of Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, some leftover red wine, and some heavy cream-- just a little.

Don't forget the Parmesano-Reggiano (or whatever cheese you have)!

My wonderful husband walked into the door at 6:30, just as I finished creating a dish that turned out to be a pasta in 45 minutes.  Perfect timing! Craig smiled and gave this dish a double thumbs up. Yes, we had seconds.  I don't have my usual tutorial on how to make this, but I quickly jumped onto my laptop to write down how I did it.  This one's a keeper! It has sausage, vegetables and just the right about of spice to make a delicious dinner.  I have no idea what to name this dish-- if you can think of a better name... please let me know!

I'm going to be a little scarce on my blog, I think.  I'd like for my life to slow down a bit, and I'm hoping that will happen this weekend.  I'll be on a two week Winter Break, from my school, pretty soon-- then, you might see an avalanche of recipes. I miss all of you!  Don't give up on me!

I've had a few private emails asking how to find/read my recipes.  If you're receiving emails, then you need to JUMP to my blog.  Just look for the BLUE lettering that says "A Feast For The Eyes"-- point your mouse on to and CLICK!  POOF!  You'll see the recipe below, which I wrote down immediately, or I'll forget how I did it!  If I do say so myself, this one was a flavorful dinner-- and it will be in my lunch box tomorrow.



I hope you're enjoying your holiday preparations. I need to get crackin'!