Pasta Puttanesca (The Madame's Pasta)

They say that the ladies of the evening in Naples would have this simmering on their stoves to help lure customers. That's how this dish got its name.

Ingredients, using common sense for amounts:

Pasta, any kind you like

Tomato sauce

Garlic, minced

Anchovies

Capers

Black or Kalamata olives, sliced

Chopped onion

Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.)

Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Chopped veggies, any kind you like. I recommend fresh fennel.

Optional -- any kind of seafood also goes well in this sauce.

A teaspoon of white wine

Black pepper. I don't recommend any salt -- the olives, capers and anchovies will be salty enough.

Combine all ingredients, except pasta, in a pan and simmer, covered, until wonderful aroma fills your kitchen. Stir occasionally. Cook pasta until al dente, then pour sauce over pasta. Finish with grated Parmesan and/or Romano cheese and chopped Italian parsley.

The wine? As the late Justin Wilson said, "Any kind of wine you like."

Lazy Man's Frittata For One

For those unfamiliar, a frittata is sort of like an Italian version of an omelet.

Ingredients:

1 real egg, large

Egg substitute, equivalent of 2 eggs

Chopped ham, about 4 oz. Turkey or chicken breast also works.

black pepper, to taste

salt, to taste

Chopped vegetables, at least 4 oz. Bell pepper, broccoli and asparagus are examples of what will work. Tomato and onion are also good. Use one or more of the aforementioned.

1 clove of garlic, minced

A little butter or olive oil

A tiny splash of skim milk (makes the egg fluffier)

A pinch of dried oregano and/or basil

Combine and mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and nuke until the egg is done to scrambled consistency.

Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped Italian parsley. Enjoy -- an especially good breakfast, with whole-grain toast. For those who like the heat, hot sauce may be added during or after cooking.