Last night, I got the itch. To create a new recipe and make it for dinner, of course! I needed something that was simple, inexpensive, and yet delicious. So I decided to keep it simple, angel-hair pasta and chicken, and save my creative juices to invent a spectacular pasta sauce. I wanted to stay true-to-form, and make it using things that I already had at home, but my cabinets were getting pretty bare. I figured if I already had to go to the grocery, I might as well make something that truly sounded good to me. So this is what I came up with. It's pretty easy, but unfortunately not too healthy :-)

Garlic Butter Sauce with fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes

1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove fresh garlic (you can use the pre-diced jarred stuff, but fresh works best)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1 tbsp chunks
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp organic peanut butter
1 tbsp whole or 2% milk (or 1 tsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water)
6 large basil leaves, torn in half
8 cherry tomatoes, halved

Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Grate garlic clove directly into hot oil, and saute until lightly browned (this should only take about 45 seconds, so watch closely.) Reduce heat to medium-low, and add butter, one chunk at a time, until melted. Add basil leaves, stir, and return to medium heat. When basil leaves begin to darken and curl, add oregano, peanut butter, and sea salt. Stir continuously, until salt has dissolved and sauce begins to take on a uniform consistency. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, and add milk or cornstarch mixture. Sauce will begin to thicken slightly as it cools. Spoon over pasta.

Serves 2-3

I made this, plus a simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with lemon and parsley. It was a hit!


I have also been working for the past week on a loaf of sourdough bread. It takes that long because you have to make a "starter" which is water, flour, and yeast, and let it ferment so that you get the sour taste. I have to say, the bread turned out wonderful! I will post the recipe soon!

-Happy Cooking!-