30 Days::Day 8 (and a recipe to boot!)

I just made me some of the best tasting pasta I think I have ever had. It was gooooooooooood. I have always wanted to post a recipe on this blog because I do a lot of eating and a lot of experimenting with yummy entrees...and this one? Well...I think it is totally post worthy.

I made a few modifications on the original recipe, like using fresh ingredients instead of canned or jarred, so I will just post it as I made it.

I would have included a picture of the deliciousness, but it doesn't look like anything spectacular on a plate and I really haven't figured out how to make food look good in a picture. So...this picture of my plant Zeke will have to do. He has followed me through many moves and transitions over the past 7 years and he deserves a little recognition. Plus...plants and sunlight are always a good combination, aren't they?

Southwestern Pasta for Two

4 oz dried pasta (such as wagon wheel or penne)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 medium tomatoes, chopped

about 3 Tbsp oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, julienne style

1/4 cup dry sherry (or chicken broth or veg broth)

2-3 tsp. finely chopped jalapeno chile pepper

2 Tbsp snipped fresh basil

2 Tbsp snipped fresh parsley

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook garlic in hot oil for one minute. Add chopped jalapeno pepper* and cook for another 3 minutes. Add fresh tomatoes, dried tomatoes, sherry, parsley and basil. (I also added some Italian seasoning for good measure).

2. Bring to boiling;reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir pasta into tomato mixture and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

*I was a little more generous with the jalapeno pepper as well...cause I like-a the spice!

A perfect blend of southwestern spice and traditional Italian.

Eat it up, yum!!