Tuesday, February 2, 2010

"PENNE ALLA GIOVANNINO"

In deciding what to make for last night's recipe, I was thinking about making something with Italian sausage because it is my husband's favorite.  I ventured over to my cookbook cabinet and selected an oldie, but goodie:  "The New Complete Book of Pasta" authored by Maria Luisa Scott and Jack Denton Scott.  I have had this cookbook for years, and can't remember ever daring to break it open.  So, I closed my eyes and opened it up to a random page to see if there was any coincidental mystery as to why I selected this particular book for last night's recipe.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the title that I spontaneously found:  "PENNE ALLA GIOVANNINO"!!!  For those of you that don't already know, our son's name is Giovanni, and it just so happens that the main ingredient in this pasta dish is Italian sausage!  I think I'll go and buy a lottery ticket...

This had a fantastic taste--the sweet and salty savoriness of the prosciutto, coupled with the sweet and spicy sausage was delicious.  I also cooked the penne al dente which gave it a nice texture.  The verdict?  Thumbs up from the critics! 

I wasn't sure if our last night's virtual donation processed correctly, so I went ahead and did it again just to make sure.  I donated the same items and amount of food totaling $ 66.80 (as we had $71.00 and some change in the Jar), and then learned that our first attempt had gone through.  For some reason, the first confirmation ended up in my "Deleted Items" folder in my computer.  Therefore, we have now donated $133.60 in food items, and have created 534 meals!

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."--Joseph Addison

PENNE ALLA GIOVANNINO
4 four-inch hot Italian sausages, casings removed
4 four-inch sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 slices of prosciutto, chopped
4 cups (one 2-pound can) plum tomatoes with basil leaf
1 pound penne
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

In a saucepan, over medium heat, cook the sausage meats in the oil until brown; if very fatty, pour off half of the fat.  Add prosciutto and the tomatoes, which have been pushed through a food mill.  Simmer, stirring, for 25 minutes.  Cook penne al dente, drain, and toss with the cheeses.  Serve in hot soup bowls with the sausage sauce spooned over right from the pan.  Serves 4 to 6.

2 comments:

  1. 534 meals is amazing! That is awesome!!

    I tried the Giovannina out on my family last night and they loved it! Had never cooked with prosciutto but found that to be really easy. You're stretching my horizons yet again Jenn-just like in college.....keep up the good work--ummm, can you suggest a exercise regimine now that my family is eating all this PASTA!! LOVE YOU-H

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