Tomato Vodka Sauce

Everything tastes great with heavy cream!

1 Tbs. Butter
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 (28 oz.) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1 C. heavy whipping cream
1/4 C. vodka (I add a bit more)
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with the oil. Add the onion and saute for 8 minutes or until transparent. Add tomatoes and cook for 25 minutes or until there is almost no liquid left in the skillet; stir frequently. Increase the heat and add cream, vodka, and pepper flakes; boil for 2 minutes or until thickened to a sauce consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Tomato Salad

This must be made with ripe, red tomatoes - the kind you buy at the farmer's market. It absolutely doesn't work with the hard, pink tomatoes from the regular grocery store. Which means you can only make it in summertime.

6 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup drained black olives, sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons sugar
6 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and marinate for 2 hours. Serve at room temperature.