Italian Herb Paste

After Cilantro Paste and Jalapeno Paste on the grocery store shelves comes Italian Herb Paste. This is an easy one to use - just add to your regular Italian-style recipes. First, we added the herbs to some leftover spaghetti, but then we actually tried a new recipe.

Mussels and Clams in Red Sauce

• 1/2 pound pasta 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons red or white wine
• 1 pound mussels, clams, or assorted shellfish
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb paste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Cook the pasta; drain and keep warm. 

Sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until limp; stir in the wine, mussels, clams and cook until the shells open. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat through.

Serve over pasta; sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.