Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp...

This is my second Foodie Friday hosted by Designs by Gollum. I can't wait to see what everyone has on their menu this week.

Let's talk about cheese

When making Italian food it is very important to use the best cheeses. My Grandmother, Mom, and Aunt's always visited the local cheese market every Saturday morning. It was a chance to socialize with friends in the Italian community. I use to hold my nose and roll my eyes when they opened the door to the cheese market. The owner would always laugh, offer me a sample of his best cheese, and I would always refuse. I was not impressed. My Mother was horrified at my behavior but I had my sight set on the Italian pastry store right next door. Long gone are those little neighborhood cheese stores and gone too is my finicky pallet. Today I wish I had a little cheese store in my neighborhood. While I know that these are hard economic times, and cheese can be pricey, remember there is more flavor in one ounce of good cheese then in that entire green shaky canister of make believe cheese. The use of fresh ingredients is the key to successful cooking.

1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 1 pound large shrimp - peeled and deveined 2 (28 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup chopped parsley 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

	Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Place pasta in a colander, and give it a quick rinse with cold water.
	Heat remaining olive oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring constantly, until the garlic is tender, about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic burn. Add shrimp, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove shrimp from the skillet, and set aside.
	Stir tomatoes, wine, parsley, and basil into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 12 minutes. Add shrimp, and continue cooking until shrimp are heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve the shrimp mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings. Serve with a nice glass of white wine and a crusty loaf of fresh Italian bread. MANGIA!