Use cream sherry to enrich a tasty mix of tomatoes, garlic, basil, mint, olive oil and hot pepper flakes. After steeping for two hours, use some of the liquid to flavor hot pasta. Add Asiago and fontina cheese, then toss everything together.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 2 pounds vine ripened tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup cream sherry
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
- 2 cups fontina cheese, shredded
PREPARATION:
In a medium bowl, toss together tomatoes, garlic, basil, mint, salt and black pepper, hot pepper flakes, olive oil, and cream sherry. Let stand at room temperature for up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook the pasta In a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, but firm to the bite.
Drain the pasta, and transfer to a large serving bowl. Drain 1/4 cup of the liquid from the tomato mixture, and toss with the pasta to coat. Add cheese, and toss until it begins to melt. Add the tomato mixture, and toss until mixed.