‘Plan to have no plan’ was the theme of our date night this weekend as the hubs and I went out into the world and saw where the day took us.  We browsed the aisles of a favorite local bookstore then sipped on warm tea as we shuffled about town in single digit weather.  We discovered a new sushi spot where boats travel around a moat carrying various sashimi and rolls, enjoyed a movie at the small local theater, and then came home and made ourselves this tasty meal before a night of board games.

We had intentions of making homemade pasta for this dish but by the time we made it home we were far too hungry to wait for the dough to rest in the fridge prior to rolling.  But, the beauty of  this dish is that can be put together in just about 20 minutes and the flavors always provide a consistently lovely flavor.  Onions, garlic, white wine, parsley, pepper and minced clams. So simple and perfect.

On a separate note, if you read my posts regularly you know that I’ve become more intrigued by photography over the last month.  It began when I compared an old split pea soup picture with  a recent one.  Now that I decided to join Instagram (@ThePantryPortfolio) I’m spending my days eyeing beautiful images and attempting to learn by osmosis from the best.  I’m currently fascinated with light and with props.  To my fellow bloggers / photography fanatics out there – I’d LOVE your feedback or advice!  There are two pictures here on this post taken at different times.  What do you think?  What nuggets of wisdom can you share?

Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons of onion or shallot
• 3 garlic cloves – minced
• 1/4 teaspoons of crushed red pepper
• 2 teaspoons of dried parsley
• 1/2 cup of dry white wine
• 1 cup clam juice (from clams if you use canned)
• 1 Tablespoon of butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 box of spaghetti

Steps and Notes:

1. Saute the onion in a bit of olive oil
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Then add the pepper and parsley. Mix well.
3. Add the wine and clam juice to the pan and cook until reduced by half.
4. Then, add the clams and stir for 30 seconds.
5. Turn the heat off then add the butter and cheese.
6. For serving, mix the pasta with 1/2 of the sauce in a side bowl to evenly coat each noodle. Then, top each plate with some extra clams and cheese.

Thoughts for Next Time:

• Use whole clams!
• Make this same dish with fresh pasta