11-15…PASTA AGLIO OLIO CRUDO PLUS…

The premise for tonight’s dinner is simple. In the center of the table is a large bowl of Pasta Aglio Olio crudo, surrounded by a selection of sauces, a.k.a.,toppings: sausage with sundried tomatoes, tomato, celery, mozzarella salad, and Shrimp and bay scallops in a butter-lemon sauce.



Guests are encouraged to begin with a small serving of the Aglio Olio as is, too experience the delightful flavor of this simple dish. Then they help themselves to more pasta so they can try the various toppings of their choice.

SAUSAGE

INGREDIENTS”

Olive oil
Garlic, chopped
Sausage with casing removed
Sundried tomatoes in oil coarsely chopped
Sweet vermouth
PROCESS:

Sauté the garlic in olive oil then add the sausage and sundried tomatoes. Several minutes later add the sweet vermouth. Cook until the sausage is done and drain off excess oil.

TOMATO SALAD

(Prepare in advance and allow to sit at room temp. for about an hour.)

INGREDIENTS:

Grape tomatoes, halved and/or quartered
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Celery
Onion and garlic, finely chopped
Basil, oregano
Mozzarella, diced

PROCESS:

Place the vegetables and cheese in a bowl; add the oil and vinegar, the herbs, and a splash of water.

SHRIMP AND BAY SCALLOPS

INGREDIENTS:

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Bay Scallops
Olive oil
Garlic and shallots
Butter
Lemon zest
Bay seasoning
Fresh dill
Cucumber, peeled and diced

PROCESS:

Sauté the garlic and shallots in olive oil. Add the butter, shrimp, and scallops, along with the dill seasoning, and lemon zest. Cook for several minutes then add the white wine and simmer. Place everything in the serving bowl; mix in the cucumber and serve.

And…as an unexpected bonus…thanks to Christy at Gallery 600…Broccoli Rabe. Sauted in olive oil with garlic, this was the 4th “topping” of the evening.

COMMENTS:

Our friends from Nashville, Elliott and Tom drove up to pick up their puppy and share our dinner.



All I can say was…this was a huge success. It was a fun way to enjoy a meal. As always, the key ingredients are…good food, good wine, and good friends.