My Favorite Warm-Weather Recipe

It's 2:00 pm and I'm busy, busy, busy getting ready for a little camping trip we've planned for later this week. In addition to all of the chores I still need to finish, I have my last photography class tonight at 6:30. I won't be home for dinner with hubby, so I fixed something quick and easy that he can assemble when he gets home. This is my favorite warm-weather recipe (even if the warm weather has been MIA.) And it's healthy! It's from a wonderful cookbook called "Herbs in the Kitchen...a celebration of flavor." If you love cooking with herbs or are thinking of learning about cooking with herbs, this is a fantastic reference. Pretty pictures too!

Pasta with Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce

1 1/4 lb firm ripe tomatoes (I use 3 nice round ones for the two of us.)

2 or 3 garlic cloves...live dangerously, go with 3

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

pinch of red peppers, optional

3-4 large basil sprigs (if you don't have fresh, use dried basil to taste)

1/2 lb pasta--rotelle or other shaped pasta is nice to catch the sauce

Rinse tomatoes, core them and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Mince garlic. Mix tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.

Cook pasta. When pasta is nearly done, tear basil and add to the sauce. When the pasta is just done, drain it and mix with the sauce. Serve immediately.

This recipe is so nice with Parmesan cheese and a loaf of crusty bread, if you have it.

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