Recipe of the Week: Chow

In order to improve my culinary talents, I decided to experiment with one new recipe a week. Tonight, I cheated a bit because I used only what I had in my pantry and some of the ingredients were pre-made... but if Sandra Lee can build an empire on semi-homemade cooking, then I say this counts too.


Linguine with Clams and SPAM

my take on linguine with clams and chorizo
The Original Recipe on Chow.com

INGREDIENTS

• Steamer clams in butter and garlic sauce (frozen, from Trader Joe's)
• 1/2 pound whole wheat linguine (I prefer DeCecco, it always turns out perfectly al dente)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 can of SPAM, diced (I didn't have chorizo on hand and thought it would be fun to see what might happen)
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch of dried Italian parsley
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (some things in my fridge are real)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill a large pot with heavily salted water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain. Return pasta to the pot and set aside.


2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, straight-sided pan with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the SPAM and consider tasting a piece, but wonder if it is safe to eat SPAM from the can. In the end, decide that it is not worth it and will Google it afterwards. Cook, stirring occasionally, until brown, about 6 minutes. Add the shallots and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. 


3. Remove the frozen clams from your freezer. Thank Trader Joe's for being so ingenious as you peel open the box. Read instructions on how to reheat clams via stove top. Remove a sizzling piece of SPAM to taste. Marvel at how nicely spicy SPAM and shallots go together. Remove another to be sure. 


4. Add frozen clams in garlic and butter sauce to pan, cover, and steam until the clams open and completely defrost, about 5 to 8 minutes. (Discard any that don’t open.) Stir to heat through. Uncover and simmer to thicken sauce. Check Facebook updates and Google the ability to eat SPAM from can. Learn that it is precooked and ultimately, quite safe. Duly note this fact for future ventures. 


5. Add clams, SPAM, and parsley to the pot with the pasta and stir to combine. Serve on plate with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mangia.

Optional step: As you delight in the tastes and the ease of your creation, be inspired to start a blog to share your weekly culinary adventures and other musings.