Recipe: Smoked Mushrooms and Tasso Cream Sauce Over Angel Hair Pasta

ENTREE

* 1/2 pound angel hair pasta

* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

* 1/2 cup chopped tasso *

* 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (white parts only)

* 1 tablespoon chopped shallots

* 1 teaspoon chopped garlic

* 1 pound Smoked Mushrooms (See recipe)

* 2 1/2 cups heavy cream

* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

* 1 teaspoon Emeril’s Kick it Up Hot Red Sauce, or other hot sauce

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

* 3 tablespoons chopped green onions (green parts), garnish

*3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, garnish

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until just al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander, return to the pot, and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tasso and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Add the green onion whites, the shallots and garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the smoked mushrooms, stir well, and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the Worcestershire, hot sauce, salt, and cold butter and stir well.

Divide the pasta among four or six plates and spoon the sauce evenly over the top. Garnish with the green onions and Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Per serving:

674 calories, 73 percent calories from fat, 55 grams total fat, 28 grams saturated fat, 158 milligrams cholesterol, 35 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams total fiber, 3 grams total sugars, 32 grams net carbs, 13 grams protein, 777 milligrams sodium.

* Tasso is a peppery smoked ham. Look for it at specialty butcher shops and grocery stores.