Linguine with Garlic Clam Sauce

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine
• 0.5 cups olive oil
• 0.25 cups butter
• 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 3 of 6-oz cans chopped clams, drained, liquid reserved
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons coursely ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons dried crushed thyme
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves, coarsly chopped

Directions:

1. Boil water in a deep stock pot
2. When water starts boiling, add salt
3. Add linguine to boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring ocassionally
4. While linguine is cooking, heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat
5. Add garlic to the skillet and saute until golden (but not burnt)
6. Add clam juice, salt, pepper, thyme, and crushed red peppers to skillet, then let simmer for awhile
7. Add clams, parsley, and basil, then cook until heated through
8. Drain the linguine and pour sauce from skillet over it
9. Serve while it's hot and al dente

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

recipe adapted from Simply Italian More Than Quick and Easy, by Gina Puliciano (ISBN:0681417366)