LISA'S TOMATO BASIL FETTUCCINI

WEEK NINE: RECIPES FOR DAYS WHEN YOU NEED SOMETHING QUICK AND EASY THAT FILLS EMPTY STOMACHS BUT STILL LOOKS GOOD ON THE TABLE AND HAS THEM COMING BACK FOR MORE.

Have you ever had the feeling that life is passing you by and you just can't seem to get things together in time to take care of everything you need to do and still be on top of things? Most of us feel that way at least some of the time and some feel that way most of the time which is why a recipe like this can be such a good friend when you're running out of ideas and need something you know you can count on to be satisfying and delicious when you're under the gun or feeling overworked. It is good all by itself with just a salad and hot bread or to accompany a good piece of chicken something like that. Actually, you can make it a main dish by adding chicken to it if you want which is what makes it so versatile: it's an either/or dish that is good no matter how you decide to serve it. I first had this dish at my daughter-in-law, Lisa's, home and she was kind enough to share it with me so here is the recipe:

1 lb. fettuccini noodles

4 OZ. butter

2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. basil

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 lbs or 1 qt. tomatoes (fresh peeled or canned)

½ C. Parmesan cheese (I used more than this because I like lots of cheese)

1 C. heavy cream

1. Cook pasta to al dente or about 9 minutes

2. Meanwhile, melt butter in large pan. Add the basil and salt.

3. Drain pasta and add to melted butter. Add cheese and tomatoes

4. Add cream and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure it is piping hot when you bring it to the table. Serves 5-6.

The chopped tomatoes:

The butter, cream, basil, parmesan. Don't foret the garlic powder or you can use 1 tsp. minced garlic if you prefer.

Stirring the tomatoes into the cooked noodles that have had the other ingredients already added.

Top it with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a little parsley, if desired. Enjoy!