*  Exported from  MasterCook II  *

          Pasta w/ Smoked Mozzarella, Asparagas & Dried Tomatoes

Recipe By     : Country Living, May 1995
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Pasta                            Vegetables

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           warm water
     1/2  cup           dried tomatoes, sliced into strips
     3/4  lb            asparagus, cut diagonally 1" pcs
   1      12 oz pkg     farfale (bowtie pasta)
   2      tablespoons   olive oil
   1      small         onion, chopped
   2      cloves        garlic, finely chopped
   1      tablespoon    fresh thyme leaves (or 1 t dried)
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
     1/4  lb            smoked mozzarella, cut in sm. cubes

Soak dried tomato strips in the cup of warm water for 3-5 min until they
begin to soften.  Drain and reserve the liquid.

Heat 5" of water to boiling in large saucepot.  Add the asparagus and cook
3 min. until tender but still crisp.  Remove to a bowl and set aside.

In the same of pot of boiling water, cook the pasta. While it's cooking:

Heat 1 T olive oil over med. heat; add onion & saute 5 min.  Reduce heat to
low; add garlic & saute 3 min.  Stir in tomato liquid, asparagus, thyme
leaves & salt.  Cook for 5 min.

Drain pasta; return it to the pot and toss with remaining 1 T olive oil.
Place on serving platter and top with tomato-asparagus mixture and
mozzarella.  Serve immediately; or to serve cold, cool to room temperature,
cover & refrigerate.

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