Cross Stitch Project

I picked up a recent issue of the British magazine Cross Stitcher. It was wrapped in plastic, and inside the wrapper was a free little fox project.  It came complete with the floss, fabric, felt frame and bead for the nose.  It was a fun little project to do. I think I'll turn mine into a refrigerator magnet as soon as I get some magnets.

Fresh Tomato and Sausage Pasta

Even though our long stretch of 100 degree weather zapped my tomato plants a bit, I'm ending up with quite a few tomatoes off them.  I thought up this recipe one night after work using stuff I have on hand.  Those are the best kind of recipes as far as I'm concerned when you can clean out the fridge and pantry and avoid having to go to the store.


Fresh Tomato and Sausage Pasta
Ingredients

• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 lb. thin spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 red pepper, chopped
• 2-3 large, ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped (or use a number of small ones as I did)
• 2-10 oz. containers Philadelphia Italian Cheese & Herb Cooking Creme
• 1/2 c. fat-free half & half
• Fresh basil, torn
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Brown the sausage and break it up. Drain the fat from the sausage and return to the heat.  Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper.  Cook until the onions are translucent. Add the Cooking Cream to the sausage mixture.  Stir until it's melted and add the half & half. Add to the cooked pasta and add the tomatoes.  Toss until fully combined.  Garnish with torn basil and the parmesan.