Pasta Bar

I will have to say that the "Pasta Bar" idea is a NEW thing for my family...I realize now that it has been around for a LONG time. I think of all the years we've been missing out on this deliciousness...it made dinner so fun and tasty, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The ideas of things to put on your pasta are endless...the choices are "whatever you want them to be" and your pasta is made just the way you like it! I will MOST definitely be making this at our next BIG family get together (as well as many times before on a smaller scale like we just did)! My family is proof that you can serve this to a VERY large CROWD or a smaller one. YOU can thank me later for bringing this fAnTabULouS recipe/idea to your attention.

Pasta Bar

Pasta topping ideas:

mini pepperoni (on mine)

bacon (on mine)

diced onion

sliced olives

sausage

imitation crab, chopped

cubed chicken (on mine)

diced tomatoes

saute'd mushrooms (on mine)

diced red pepper

frozen peas

chopped ham

grated cheese (on mine)

shrimp

cashews

sliced almonds

fresh spinach

Parmesan cheese

cooked pasta (whatever your family likes, any will work, we did "shells" because thats what I had)

SAUCE ideas:

spaghetti sauce (any homemade or bottled sauce will work)

cheese sauce (recipe below)

Alfredo sauce

Place an individual serving amount of cooked pasta in a bowl or on a plate, add your favorite toppings and top with your favorite sauce...ENJOY!

Cheese Sauce:

4 c. heavy cream

1 c. butter

1 c. grated Swiss cheese

1 c. grated Colby jack cheese

1 c. six cheese (Italian, comes in a package already grated)

1 c. grated mozzarella cheese

1 c. grated fresh Parmesan cheese

In a medium sauce pan combine cream and butter. Bring to a slow simmer, stirring constantly until the butter is melted. Gradually stir in cheese (all). Reduce heat to low and stir until all cheeses are melted. Serve immediately. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

*Thickened sauce (any leftovers) can be quickly melted back down to use again by placing it in a glass dish in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until melted.

Our family absolutely adored this cheese sauce. I will use it again and again for many things. IF your family likes a different kind of cheese, switch them out and use your favorites. Its a very versatile cheese sauce recipe and can be made to fit your families likes! Have fun!!

Julie~