a favorite pasta...

I LOVE LIFE and i savour all the beautiful things life has to offer. i like to start with this approach:  i believe that if you think in a multi-dimensional way you start to see all the wonderful hues of the spectrum of color and your taste buds awaken too!  i know lots of people don't like blue cheese and i  had my doubts myself, but this is really, creamy,  dreamy goodness.  if you still aren't convinced you can replace it with another cheese you would prefer.

ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 shallots, peeled and chopped

1 can tomatoes (14.5 ounces), drained and chopped into small pieces

1 stick butter, room temperature

8 ounces blue cheese, room temperature

12 ounces pasta (campagnelle, ziti, rotini or other short pasta)

1 cup sliced fresh basil, plus a few small leaves for garnish

freshly ground pepper

directions

1. bring a large pot of water to a boil. salt it generously and cook pasta until done according to package directions and drain.

2. as soon as you put the pot of water on to boil, start the sauce by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. add the shallots and stir for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. add the tomatoes and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.

3. mash the butter and cheese together with a fork until combined. add it to the sauce and stir until the butter and cheese are melted into everything.

4. add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well. add the chopped basil and toss again.

5. divide the pasta among your dinner plates, grind some pepper on top, garnish with basil leaves and serve!

this is perfect for a week night or even if you have company for dinner.  pare it with a chianti and voila
perfection. 

love sent, xo