I love Jack, all I do for the spinach is get a pan really hot, put in a little butter, and then dump in as much spinach as I can fit. I cook it over really high heat for just a minute, until just wilted.
Zandy, here is the linguini with clams recipe I use:
Linguini with White Clam Sauce
2 pounds littleneck clams, well scrubbed
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. butter
1 bottle clam juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and very thinly sliced
2 tbsp. finely chopped parsely
1 jalepeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 tomato, seeded and finely minced
1 lb. pasta
handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
Place the clams in a covered pan with the bottle of clam juice over high heat. Steam the clams until they just open. Take them out of their shells and cut in half. Strain the clam liquid through a paper towel set in a strainer to make sure there isn't any sand in it. Pour the liquid over the clams and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
In a large skillet, melt the olive oil and butter together over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for about a minute. Add the parsely and the jalepeno, then the tomato. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the wine. Simmer for about a minute, then turn off the heat.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until it is almost done. When it is still a little undrcooked, strain the pasta and add to the skillet along with the clams and their juices. Bring the skillet to a gentle boil, allowing the pasta to continue cooking in the pan juices. When the pasta is done to your liking, season with salt and pepper, add the basil and serve. Photo:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/460553786_bba27ffe67.jpg
We also had an arugula-walnut-parmesean salad, Photo:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/243/460553746_a0113b2326.jpg
Tonight I am roasting a chicken that is seasoned with rosemary and lemon, roasted acorn squash with honey, green beans, and mashed potatoes. It is miserable here today so this comfort food should fit the bill! At least I did not have to go to work today (Patriots Day is a holiday in MA)...hmmm...I guess I should get out of my pajamas finally!