Recipe of the week

Jet, August 9, 2004

COOL PLEASURES

When the temperature rises and the weather is hot, you want something for dinner that is not too heavy and a little cool with great flavor. Here is a recipe for Penne, Ham And Broccoli Salad to give you some cool pleasure.

PENNE, HAM & BROCCOLI SALAD

   3 cups broccoli flowerets
   1 pound penne pasta
   1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
   4 cloves garlic, minced
   1 cup chopped onion
   1 1/2 cups cooked ham,
     cut into strips
   4 tablespoons grated
     Parmesan cheese
     Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Cook the broccoli in salted water until firm, but tender, about 3 to
5 minutes. Remove broccoli with slotted spoon to large bowl; set
aside. Bring water to boil, add penne pasta and cook as directed
on package, and drain pasta. Place the pasta in bowl with broccoli.

Heat large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic
and onion; cook and stir until onion and garlic are tender. Pour
over broccoli and pasta. Add the ham. Gently toss ingredients to
coat with oil. Season the salad with salt and pepper. Serve with
Parmesan cheese.

Yields 6 servings