Garafalo contacted me last month and offered me some samples to try. Who am I to say no? What I didn’t realize upon delivery was that I have been using this product for the past few years. Their packaging is distinct, but the small script label never registered with me. Certain Someone and I always stock up on Garafalo while shopping at Costco. In these lean times it can stretch a meal and provide me lunch at work. So I guess this cant be called a review because the product has been in repertoire for some some time. Not only did they send me Penne, but Spaghettini as well. Garafalo has 21 Signature Neapolitan pasta offerings . Costco normally mixes up a few in their multi packs.

I have made some changes to my diet on doctors orders. I’m pre hypertensive and need to control my salt intake. As a result I am using balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Non salt blends in my cooking. In less than 2 weeks my taste buds have become accustomed to the natural flavors of food. Tricks like roasting really coax out the goodness of vegetable and more than make up for the lack of salt. When tasting processed or prepared food now, I can taste the excessive salt. So its good that I’m adjusting.

One of my favorite ways with pasta is a simple toss of pasta and my roasted balsamic vegetables. Certain Someone is more of a meat and heavy cream man. But I like it on the light side.

Penne with Roasted Balsamic Vegetables

1 head Cauliflower

1 zucchini

1 pint mushrooms

Green or Red Peppers

1 large Onion

1 carrot

1 cup olive oil

1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar

Dried herbs of your choice ( oregano, thyme,basil)

Garlic minced

Cracked Black Pepper

1 package Garafalo Penne

Clean , seed,and chop, or slice vegetables into pieces. In a large glass bowl toss vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.Let rest for at least 1/2 hour.

Preheat oven to 375F. Boil water for pasta. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

In a roasting pan or cast iron skillet place the vegetables. Roast for 40 minutes or until caramelized and soft .

Toss the pasta in the pan with the vegetables until well Incorporated and coated . At this pint you can add your salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a shaving of Parmesan cheese.