Pasta with Avocado Sauce

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Rosemary Zwick for this lesson food economics:

There were three men living together who were all starving because
they didn't have money to buy food. However, upon coming close to a
posh restaurant they came up with a plan.

The first man went in. After being seated he ordered a three course
meal with white wine. When he had finished the meal the waiter came
by with the cheque. "But I paid you!" he shouted. The waiter was
very confused as he could not remember being paid, but as he did not
want to cause any trouble, he let the man leave.

Five minutes later the second man walked into the restaurant and
ordered a five course meal with red wine. When he was finished
eating, the waiter came by to collect the money for the food. "But
I paid you!" the second man shouted. This time the manager came
and had to calm the man down as he did not want anything to upset
the other customers, so he let him go.

Ten minutes later the third man walked in, sat down, lit a
cigarette, and ordered the most expensive meal on the menu plus two
beers. After he had finished, the waiter came to collect the money
for the meal and before asking for it, the waiter said, "Sir, I have
been having a sort of problem all day and I can't understand it.
Other people like you came in earlier and ate and they said that
they paid me but I don't remember getting any money from them,
so..."

Before he could finish, the third man chimed in loudly, "That's your
problem - just bring me my change!"

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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Here is an unusual sauce for the ever popular pasta.

Pasta with Avocado Sauce

3 Tbs (45 ml) butter
3-4 scallions (spring onions), green and white parts,
thinly sliced
1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup (250 ml) dry white wine, chicken stock, or water
3/4 cup (180 ml) chopped parsley
2 Tbs (30 ml) chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) ricotta cheese
3-4 avocados, peeled, pitted, and mashed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 lb (450 g) pasta of your choice, cooked according to
the package directions
Chopped fresh tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Chopped Kalamata or other imported olives for garnish
(optional)

Heat the butter in a skillet over moderate heat and saute the
scallions and garlic until tender but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the wine, parsley, and basil and bring to a boil. Reduce the
heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in the ricotta,
blending it well, followed by the mashed avocados. Adjust the
seasoning with salt and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the cooked
pasta and garnish with chopped tomatoes and/or olives if desired.
Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Wed Aug 3 07:45:06 2005