8 oz. penne pasta
2 Tbsp. olive oil
8 oz. mushrooms
1/4-1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives, optional
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
6 oz. bag fresh baby spinach
4 oz. feta cheese crumbles
2 Tbsp. Penzey's Pasta Sprinkle


Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, heat 1/2 Tbsp. of the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, olives and sun-dried tomatoes. When the mushrooms are nicely browned and softened, about 5 minutes, sprinkle the spinach over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid to steam the spinach but do not fully cook it (the heat from the pasta will take care of it). Remove the skillet from the heat if the pasta isn't nearly done at this point.

Drain the pasta and mix with the contents of the skillet. Add the remaining olive oil and the Pasta Sprinkle and stir. Immediately before serving, stir in the feta.


3-4 servings


Modified from Penzey's

1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. Cajun or Creole seasoning
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 lb. uncooked large shrimp, shelled, deveined



Combine first 7 ingredients in 9x13-inch baking dish. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake until shrimp are cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve shrimp with French bread.


2 to 4 servings


Bon Appétit

8 oz. container hummus
1 cup firmly packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup thinly sliced roasted red peppers, drained
1 cup tzatziki dip
1/2 cup sliced pitted black olives, such as Kalamata
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Pita chips


Spread hummus evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch square dish. Scatter spinach over the top and press down lightly. Arrange peppers, then artichokes hearts over the top. Drop yogurt in dollops over the artichokes, then spread out to make an even layer. Sprinkle with olives, green onions and feta and serve with pita chips on the side.


8 servings


Adapted from Whole Foods

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. hot Italian sausage with fennel seed, loose or casings removed
28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes, mashed
2 Tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 lb. dried cavatappi or fusilli
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese


In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook slowly, breaking it up into bits with a fork, until it loses its raw color, about 5 minutes; do not allow it to brown or harden. Stir in the tomatoes and parsley. Increase the heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until the tomatoes have softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cream and simmer briefly until the cream thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.

Bring a large pot three-fourths full of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta, stir well and cook until al dente (tender but firm to the bite), about 12 minutes or according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, reheat the sauce gently over low heat.

Drain the pasta and return to the warm pot. Add the sauce and toss. Divide among warmed dishes and serve immediately. Pass the cheese at the table.


4-6 servings


Williams-Sonoma Classic Pasta at Home

1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup raisins


Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.


4 dozen


Quaker Oats