Boiling Point

Its strange how people in general have their stress limits varying to different polarities, every individual is built in such a way that if and when faced with the realities of life, comes to term with it in his or her own imitable style. Of course, there are the exceptions, when pushed over the edge, but that’s a different ball game altogether.

We all have our “boiling point’. Our actions, reactions, state of mind, emotional quotient amongst others act as a rein. Now, if only handling real life problems was as easy as dipping a wooden spoon in an overflowing pot of boiling water.

There is one thing which we all scuttle too amidst all the dissonances we go through and that is our own individualistic comfort zone in which, food features right at the apex. These comfort foods are always on the menu and are temptingly characterized by ones own liking.

Foods which are filling, high in flavor, taste and in the barging bring about a sense of calmness and excitement to the senses feature on the list of comfort foods. My personal favorite (and I am sure a lot of others will agree too) is Pasta.

A pasta dish which is hearty, filling, easy to whip up and high on taste (and yes, sometimes fat too) is a perfect antidote to a particularly exasperating day. I will share with you a common pasta dish, which you can all relate to and love - The quintessential Penne in Alfredo Sauce.

Alfredo, commonly a cheesy, creamy sauce is versatile enough to be combined with any kind of pasta, be it ravioli, fettuccine, and in this case penne.

Ingredients:

2 cups - Penne
Salt
Water to boil

Alfredo Sauce:

1 cup Milk
1 tsp Wheat Flour
1 stick (100gms) Butter
200gms Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (Kraft grated can be used)
3-4 cloves Garlic (Grated)
1 tablsp Chilli Flakes
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Cook the pasta in boiling water and salt till al-dente. Drain, toss some olive oil and keep aside.

In another pan, mix the cream, butter and cream cheese and simmer on low heat for five minutes. remove in a bowl and add a dollop of butter in the same pan. Flash fry the garlic, add the flour and give it a quick stir. Mix in milk, add turn the heat up. Immediately add the cream mixture and mix well. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well.

Once simmering, turn the heat back to low, toss in the pasta and serve hot.

Accompaniments:
You can add all or any of these ingredients stir fried in butter and basil

Sliced Carrots
Olives
Bell Peppers
Diced Onions
Corn
Peas

Add a spoon of butter in a pan on a low flame, stir fry the vegetables and toss with salt and pepper. Add a few shredded Basil leaves and toss into the pasta.

Enjoy with a glass of white wine to de-stress!