Penne with Tuna, Plum Tomatoes, and Black Olives

Serves: 1

Salt
3 ounces penne (or fusilli or shell pasta)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion or fat shallot , thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 clove garlic , peeled and thinly sliced
2 large, ripe plum tomatoes (about 7 ounces), cut into rough chunks
1 Tbsp. white wine
2 1/2 to 3 ounces canned tuna in olive oil
10 Italian or Greek black olives , pitted and quartered
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Bring a large pot of water with 1/2 tablespoon salt to a boil. Drop in pasta; stir it around.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat; sauté onion or shallot 3 to 4 minutes, until limp.
3. Add garlic and tomatoes and sauté for another minute.
4. Splash in wine and cook down, about 4 minutes.
5. Break up tuna, dropping chunky flakes into the pan.
6. Stir in olives.
7. Add at least 1/4 cup pasta water to the sauce.
8. When pasta is al dente (taste to be sure), use a big strainer-like spoon to transfer it to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for a minute.
9. Add salt to taste if needed and more pasta water if sauce is too dry.
10. Spoon pasta with sauce into a bowl, and scatter parsley on top.

Salmon Patties

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Serves: 6

1/2 pound salmon
1 red potato, peeled and chopped
1 shallot, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornflake crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
2. Place salmon in the prepared baking dish, cover, and bake 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.
3. Place potato in a small saucepan with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Cook 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash.
4. In a medium bowl, mix salmon, potato, shallot, egg, and bread crumbs. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the cornflake crumbs in a small bowl. Form the salmon mixture into 1 inch balls, and roll in the cornflakes to coat.
5. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Press the balls into patties, and fry 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Easy and Romantic Filet Mignon

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 20 Minutes
Servings: 2

2 (8 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 1 pound total)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons minced shallot
2 slices bacon

1. Place oven rack in it's highest position. Set oven to Broil.
2. Rub steaks all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with onion powder, then with salt and pepper. Wrap one slice of bacon around each steak, and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place steaks onto a broiler pan, and broil for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the steaks over, and sprinkle the tops with shallots. Broil for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the steaks are cooked to your liking.