VODKA PENNE

I am a certified beach bum. I learned to swim in the ocean. I long for it's breezes to wash down over me. I dream about the salt water covering my body. I long for the day that I will be able to live there. I worship the sun.

VODKA PENNE with FRESH SHRIMP

7 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup vodka

3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

14-oz. crushed tomatoes in puree

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 tsp. salt

16-oz. penne, cooked al dente, drained

4 oz. grated Parmesan cheese

1 lb. fresh medium shrimp

Melt the butter in a saucepan.Stir in the vodka and crushed red pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.

(Favorite beach house-not my house-but a girl can dream.)

Add the salt and mix well. Remove from the heat.

Place the penne in a warm serving bowl.

Add the shrimp.

Add the tomato mixture and toss gently.

Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Serve immediately.

Sea Fever

By John Masefield 1878–1967 John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking,

 

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

 

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.