We have dinner pretty late at night sometimes, especially on the weekends -- photographers have crazy schedules that rarely fit into normal weekday hours. So it's nice to come home to a meal that we can share, even if it's after 9 or 10 p.m. And if we're hanging out at the table that late, the main dish is probably going to be pasta. That way, whoever is at home can relax in the quiet and just read for a while?and then jump up and throw dinner together at the very last minute.

By the way, Jonathan Franzen's new essay collection  was a recent excellent find; the very first essay, "Pain Won't Kill You," about how technology unfortunately--and probably purposefully--mirrors love, was originally the 2011 commencement speech at Kenyon College. It is perfectly critical and absolutely true, and you really should read it, too, so we can all chat about it. :)
(Crazily enough, we wrote to Mr. Franzen years ago, and he immediately wrote us back. That was a pretty memorable moment at the mailbox.)

Anyway, for your next post-reading meal, this new TCV recipe is our take on traditional penne alla vodka. We just work some more vegetables into the mix and add a ton of flavor. Sometimes we confit peeled garlic in olive oil in the oven and crush a few more cloves on top, and sometimes there are rolls; also, our Southern Caesar Salad would be a good first course if there's time to make it.

Roasted Red Pepper Penne Alla Vodka

No-Peel Roasted Red Peppers (recipe f...