go to monday night supper...

so it's a random chilly monday night.  the kids are coming over for dinner and you are not sure what to make.   you don't want to be slaving over the stove but you want something warm and satisfying.   this simple bowl of pasta is over-the-top amazing and so easy to boot. all you do is make a plain tomato sauce (empty a can of good-quality plum or cherry tomatoes (san marzano)  into a pot, add two cloves of garlic, a sprinkle of salt to taste and a few spoonfuls of good-quality olive oil; and bring the tomatoes to a simmer before letting the sauce cook over medium-low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, adding some fresh basil at the end)  boil up a bunch of penne, rigatoni or any type you like in salted water until it's al dente. then, in a serving bowl, combine the drained pasta with the tomato sauce--but, before mixing it all together, add a big dollop of fresh ricotta (calculate a scant 1/4 cup per person). if you can find ricotta imported from italy, use that: it's worth it. working quickly, mix the cheese, sauce and pasta together until you have a pink sauce that's fragrant and creamy and delicious, then serve immediately with grated imported parmigiano and crusty bread.. they will be impressed.

love sent, xo