"Smokin" HOT Easy Post Work Edibles

Always in search of GOOD food that falls into my definition of gourmet (my very loose interpretation is food that is not a prepackaged mix of any kind--ban all hamburger helpers--and tasty, not thrown together just to shovel into one's mouth in order to satisfy hunger), I searched the other day through my bag of tricks (recipes cut out from various magazines, etc...that I have stored i.e. shoved in a drawer for perusal someday) and found what appeared to be a tasty pasta recipe involving artichokes and chopped tomatoes.  After a few tweaks (I tweak everything), I found it to be a worthy (quick) week night meal.

I must give props to the author although I have no idea which magazine that I tore the page from.....

Recipe adapted from Heather Hayes.

Artichoke and Tomato Penne (serves 4....or 2 very hungry folks)

1lb penne pasta
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 medium onion (finely chopped....I recommend food processor)
2 6 oz. jars marinated artichoke hearts drained and finely chopped (again....get that food processor out or chop, chop, chop by hand)
2 14 1/2 oz fire roasted tomatoes with garlic (do not drain)
1 tbsp italian seasoning (or a mixture of oregano and basil)
pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust for heat....a little goes a long way folks)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to directions (al dente)

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil on medium to low heat and add onions and garlic (saute about 3 minutes).  Add artichokes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.  Add tomatoes and juice and cook 5 minutes while stirring.  Remove from heat and add italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.  Stir in cooked pasta and serve immediately.  Top each serving with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Hint:  next time, I might saute a few shrimp in olive oil, fresh garlic and a little basil and add to the past.

Include a BIG salad, garlic bread and enjoy....I might also add that a glass of Wente Shorthorn Canyon Syrah complements the meal well....

By the way, the salad is a mixture of greens, strawberries, mandarin oranges, goat cheese and chopped glazed walnuts....topped with a raspberry balsamic vinagrette (recipe provided in earlier posts).  This is really, really....REALLY good....now ENJOY!!!