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Menu Plan for Winter I: Week 12, Sunday

Pasta alla Amatriciana
Fresh Fruit

Cooking time:  30 minutes for menu      Cooking schedule: see below for instructions

         I used a package of fresh linguini for this, and with the light sauce, it wasn't too much.  If you like hot, add the red pepper flakes or Tabasco.  Mon mari adds it at the table, out of consideration for my wimpy palate.

Pasta alla Amatriciana

Total time: 30 minutes 
    This is a classic Italian dish, with probably as many variations as there are Italian cooks.  Mine comes from a combination of cook books blended with what I like. Make it as hot as you like.

 Ingredients:

• fresh linguini, or similar, 8oz (240gr) or 4oz (120gr) dry
• 4oz (120gr) lean bacon
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/3 cup (3oz, 90ml) red wine
• 15oz (450gr) plum tomatoes
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes,  optional
• 1/4 cup (1oz, 30gr) Parmesan cheese plus more for sprinkling

 Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Chop onion and mince garlic.
• Drain tomatoes, reserving juice, and roughly chop.
• In medium skillet sauté bacon until just starting to crisp.  Remove and set aside.
• Drain all but 1 tbs fat from pan.
• Add onion, garlic and sauté until tender. 
• Add chopped tomatoes with their juices, wine and herbs.
• Tear bacon into chunks and add to skillet.
• Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 
• To finish: Drain pasta and toss with Parmesan, then sauce and serve with more Parmesan on the side.

Fresh Fruit

Something seasonal

Cooking Schedule: 30 minutes for menu Assemble all ingredients and utensils Utensils: measuring cups, spoons, knives, large skillet with lid, pot and colander for pasta Put water on high heat for pasta if using dried Sauté bacon Chop onion, mince garlic Turn bacon Chop tomatoes Remove bacon, and fat, if needed Add onions, garlic, sauté Put water on high heat if using fresh pasta

Grate Parmesan Add tomatoes, wine, herbs to onions Tear bacon, add to sauce, cover, simmer Start to cook pasta if using dried       15 minute break Uncover sauce, let simmer Start to cook pasta if using fresh Drain pasta Put pasta in large bowl, add Parmesan, toss Add sauce to pasta, toss Serve, more Parmesan, (red pepper) on the side   Don't forget the fruit!

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By Katie Zeller

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