PASTA RECIPES

Autumn Pasta with Apples and Cranberries

8 ounces wide egg noodles
2 teaspoons margarine
1/2 pound turkey ham, unsliced, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 bunch green onion, whites and some greens, chopped
2 granny smith or macintosh apples, cut into slices, then into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 cup half and half
1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 tablespoons chives
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain. Meanwhile, melt margarine in large skillet and cook ham. Remove to a plate when done. Add onion to skillet; cook over medium high heat for 3 minutes. Add apples and cook until apples are golden. Transfer apples and onions to plate. Add nutmeg, apple juice, and half and half to skillet. Sauce may look curdled, but continue to cook for 5 minutes or until reduced by 1/3. Add cheddar and chives, stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt, pepper, and cranberries. Add sauce to pasta and toss to coat. Add ham, apples and onions. Serves 6 to 8.



Sicilian Stuffed Shells

8 ounces jumbo shells
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup yellow raisins
1/2 cup chopped green olives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Cook the shells according to package directions. Rinse, drain and spread on a sheetpan while you prepare the filling. Preheat the oven to 350F. In a small saute pan, stir together the onion and olive oil. Cook over medium heat until the onion is wilted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the ricotta cheese, raisins, olives, and salt and pepper to taste. Fill each shell with some of the ricotta mixture. Arrange the shells, open-side-up, in a baking dish. Spoon the tomato sauce over the shells and then sprinkle them with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Bake, covered, until bubbling and hot, about 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot. Serves 4.