Pasta...always a hit with the little people of the house...

Yesterday I worked a full day picked up the kids and headed straight for dance. Home at 5:30, not too late but feeling like crashing not cooking.... Elizabeth is eager to help out tonight. She is going to help with opening cans, slicing olives, crumbling the feta an of course stirring the pots (her favourite task).

Tonight we are having Penne with basil tomato sauce topped with black olives and feta. Start by filling a stock pot half full of water and set on high heat (more room in the tub means your noodles won't stick together). Start a deep fry pan on med heat with about 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 cloves fine chop garlic, add 1Tbsp dried basil (if using fresh wait), 1tsp. oregano, and 1 28oz. can of diced tomatoes. Stir and add 1/8tsp. sugar, s & p and 2 large tomatoes chopped (you may want to remove the skin - I don't mind it myself). Let simmer till penne is cooked (if using fresh basil add about 1/4 cup chopped rough 5 minutes before it is done cooking). For the penne add salt before noodles and cook to desired doneness. Drain noodles and place back in the pot, use a spoon to skim off majority of the liquid and stir it into the noodles (adds flavour and keeps them from sticking together) To serve: Place pasta on the plate, top with tomatoe sauce, crumbled feta and sliced olives. If you have fresh basil slice finely and sprinkle on top as well. Serve with a side of caesar salad.

On the table in 15-20 minutes and everyone loves it...