Chorizo Alfredo & The Copper Kettle of Joy

When I came home from work feeling a bit grouchy. This throw together took me back to the happy place I prefer to live in.

I used:

• 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)


• 3/4 cup of whole milk, plus extra if needed (I was out of heavy cream)


• 1 cup shredded Monetary Jack cheese (I was out of 3/4 cup Parmesan)


• A palm full of Chorizo, possibly of the pork variety (you do not need a lot)


• a smattering of Mexican Oregano* (crushed between my fingers as sprinkled)


• 1/2 a box of Linguine (approximately 8oz)

This is what I did:

• Began boiling the pasta


• Melted a stick of butter in a 10" fry pan


• Added the milk


• Waited for the mix to boil


• Stirred the milk/butter intermittently and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes


• Cook up the Chorizo in a separate small pan, as I flipped and smashed it about


• Shredded the cheese


• Patted some of the grease off of the Chorizo and threw it into the sauce


• I then added a little more milk into my mix


• Sprinkled on some Mexican Oregano*


• Pasta drained/ kept warm


• Sauce removed from heat


• Monetary Jack stirred in


• I then added a bit more Jack


• Stir Stir Stir!


• Sauce on pasta on plate into mouth


• Smiled Big

I did not take any pictures because I did not expect this to not turn out so well. Also, I was exhausted. This combo ended up being on of my very favorite "Throw Togethers" yet!

*This year, I have become a fan of Penzey's spices. Their Mexican Oregano is one of my favorites.

In lieu of relevant photography, here is a picture of my beloved copper kettle, with a dual harmonica whistle, gifted to me my my husband, our first Christmas. It sounds not unlike a train rounding the bend, but more importantly, makes me think of my Grandfather, sitting by the campfire, imitating a train with his harmonica. He was magical. When the water level is wonky, it will not always hit the second tone, so when we hear the kettle begin it's whistle, we tend to stop what we are doing to listen for that aditional tone. I always get a big hug or a kiss when my kettle hits the second note. I then jump up and down and clap my little hands, just like I did when we got married.

Yet another reason my kitchen brings me so much joy!