Aglio Olio-Garlic and Oil Pasta

I have making Aglio Olio-Garlic and Oil Pasta for years...never, but ever, had I used anchovy fillets; it could be for the reason, that this is one of those 'hand-me-down' recipes that is by 'word of mouth' and only needs basic every day ingredients.

I own several Rachel Ray cookbooks...six, to be exact, and they are all 30 minutes or less meals. All of these cookbooks, except for 1...I paid 79 cents @Goodwill. They are all paperback, and all new books. One book which I got recently, was $3.00...also, from Goodwill. Yesterday, when I was checking out the cookbooks; even the paperback cookbook of Rachel Ray, was $5.00...still, a lot less than the retail price of $14.95. Prices have gone up on books at Goodwill...and now, they are selling their cookbooks @Amazon.com for probably less, and you would have to pay another $3.99 for shipping charge, as well. Although, if you buy $25.00 or more at Amazon; shipping is 'free'!

I'm so glad that I browsed through Rachel's 30-Minute Meals book, which every now-and-then, I consult for a quick meal. The addition of the anchovies really made a huge difference in the texture, and flavor of this simple pasta dish. You can use spaghetti or, linguine...I used a whole wheat spaghetti that stayed so firm to the bite=alt dente...and oh, so satisfying with a simple green salad, and nice crusty bread!

AGLIO OLIO-GARLIC AND OIL PASTA
Rachel Ray 30-Minute Meals

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1 container imported Italian anchovy fillets with red pepper flakes (2 ounces) – if you can't find these, use regular anchovies and add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 6-8 large cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 loaf crusty bread

Serves 4

Preparation

Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring up to a boil. Once boiling, add some salt and then the pasta. Cook to al dente according to package directions. Right before draining, remove and reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add EVOO, about one turn of the pan. Add anchovies, garlic and pepper flakes, if you’re using them. Break up anchovies with a wooden spoon until they melt into the oil and garlic mixture.

Add reserved pasta water to the skillet, and then add the spaghetti, parsley, lots of pepper and a little salt to taste. Toss together and cook for one more minute so that the pasta has a chance to soak up some of the sauce. Serve with chunks of crusty bread for mopping up the excess goodness.

This is our fall season in Palm Beach, Florida...as of today, temperatures have fallen to a comfortable and slightly cooler feeling of what seems to be fall. This evening, just before dark...checked out the skies. Gloomy and gray; still did not rain all day long. No falling leaves, just a more comfortable cooler temperature. that tourists love to get away from the cold and snowy climate.

We are not nearly...or will be near anywhere the cold temperatures that some of you are experiencing...some sudden snow, in my hometown, in Ohio and temp. @ 39 degrees F. That is way too cold for me!
Have a wonderful weekend to all you dear friends...and readers! Hugs,