Not only is it big BBQ time but it's that time again when
all of the kids are out of school and picnic and parties
are going on everywhere. From preschool to college this is
a pretty big time for the wave of graduation celebrations
all Summer long. This side dish is one both kids and adults
will love. Its a colorful summer salad is just "delish"
and very easy to prepare. You can just toss and serve
or make it ahead for less last-minute fussing.

Father's Day this weekend too make sure you don't forget
to take care of dear old Dads!

Enjoy!
Marzee

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RECIPE: PASTA SALAD W/ TOMATO AND BASIL

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INGREDIENTS:
10 ounces small shell pasta, cooked and well drained
6 medium chopped plum tomatoes (juices reserved)
1 bunch minced scallions
4 crushed garlic cloves
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped olives
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Serve
immediately at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate
for up to 24 hours before serving.

YIELD: 8 servings
Categories: Pasta, Salads, Picnics, Parties



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* MARZEE's CORNER *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

PERFECT PASTA: How do you cook pasta perfectly every time?

* Boil 4 to 6 quarts of water for one pound of dry pasta.
(You can divide this recipe depending on how much pasta
you are cooking.) Add the pasta with a stir and return
the water to a boil.

* Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking.

* Follow the package directions for cooking times. If
the pasta is to be used as part of a dish that requires
further cooking, undercook the pasta by 1/3 of the cooking
time specified on the package.

* Taste the pasta to determine if it is done. Perfectly
cooked pasta should be "al dente," or firm to the bite,
yet cooked through.

* Drain pasta immediately and follow the rest of the recipe.


TIP: The only time you should rinse pasta after draining is
when you are going to use it in a cold dish, or when you are
not going to sauce and serve it immediately. In those cases,
rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process,
and drain well.

TIP: To keep pasta from sticking......
A. Use plenty of water (4-6 quarts for each pound of pasta)
and don't overcook it. Follow the package directions for
cooking times. Follow the steps above for perfectly cooked
pasta every time.