Christmas Eve Pasta

Traditionally in Italian-American culture, dinner on Christmas Eve is the Feast of Seven Fishes. Consequently, we decided to do one of the traditional dishes for our Christmas Eve dinner. The greatest thing about Christmas is spending time with family so we're not suggesting you go all out at every meal, so most of the ingredients of this dish you probably have on hand or are inexpensive to pick up at any grocery store.

Laura's Note: Don't be afraid of anchovies! Once they are chopped up and mixed in no one will no exactly what they are... they will just taste umami!

Linguini with Clam Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound linguini
• Salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 4 turns of the pan
• 6 fillets flat anchovies, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine, 2 turns of pan
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole baby clams, with their juice
• Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Laura's notes: Adding parmesan cheese and italian sausage really makes this dish a holiday feast!

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and the linguini and cook to an extra chewy al dente, 7 minutes or so. The linguini will continue to cook in sauce, later.

To a large skillet heated over medium heat, add oil, anchovies, garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. Cook together until anchovies melt into oil and break up completely. Add wine to the pan and give the pan a shake. Add clams and their juice. Drain pasta and add it to the clam sauce. Toss and coat the pasta in sauce with clams until the pasta absorbs the flavor and juices, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt, add parsley and serve.

NOW GO TO BED!!! Santa's coming!!!

photo: Food Netowrk