It doesn't seem that long ago...

During a dinner of pasta and sauce I had prepared for Mrs. COBW (at that time my sweet, hot, new girlfriend) and my roommates, I recoiled in shock and horror as I watched her pour sugar out of a bag onto her portion and then mix it in! Can you imagine that? That was how she ate pasta! With about a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar in it! There were times when I forgot what she did to her pasta and when asked if I wanted to finish her plate was mortified to bite into this sickeningly-sweet blech!

To me that makes her transformation from pasta-adulterator into an able cook an amazing one. Today, she's a great cook, with good flavor intuition and growing skills. Some of her dishes are my favorite things to eat and that is no small compliment.

Below, you'll find one of her more recent creations that came as the result of me bringing home some goat cheese from Trader Joe's. It's good stuff, I promise.

Pasta and Italian Sausage with Tomato-Goat Cheese Sauce

2 Tbs olive oil
1 medium sweet onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
5 links Italian sausage (I use chicken or turkey) cut into slices
1-28oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less for desired heat)
1-2 Tbs goat cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Place a medium-sized pan over medium heat and add the olive oil to the pan, heat until the oil begins to shimmer.

Add onions and sauté them until they are soft and translucent.

Add garlic, sauté a few minutes being sure not to brown or burn it.

Add the sausage, stir in well. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook for about five minutes.

Remove cover and stir in the can of crushed tomatoes.

Add the basil, oregano and the red pepper flakes.

Add the goat cheese and stir well until the cheese is melted through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Continue to simmer on low for 10 minutes. Check seasoning, adjust if necessary and serve over your favorite pasta garnished with a little torn fresh basil.