Ante Pasta Pasta

"Lost Boys" Ante Pasta Pasta Salad or Pasta a la Jordanick

Among jokes made about me is that one that I'm actually a 14-year-old boy. My love of video games, power tools, and dirty jokes may lend credibility to this theory. Another theory that has been tossed around is that I suffer from "Wendy Complex" a sort of female version of "Peter Pan Complex" surrounding myself with and befriending a bunch of dudes. Matt Smith remarked over Pants Droppin' Carbonara, "Ah, Liz. Queen of the Lost Boys." Last night at about 11:00, I found myself gathered with three of these "Lost Boys" and over jokes and wine decided to throw together a quick late night meal. I told them I'd name the dish for them . . . Jordan suggested "Jordanick" by squishing the names Jordan, Dan, and Nick together. Clever. At any rate, here it is. Super fast and easy to throw together for a late night nosh or for one of the many summer barbecue potlucks you will invariably be attending in the next couple of months. I threw together some of my favorite ante pasta staples (marinated artichoke hearts, olive, etc.) with pasta of course. Eat up!

Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 4 oz. marinated fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2" chunks
- 1/4 c. Kalamata olives, sliced lengthwise
- 1/3 c. marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1 small bunch Italian parsley, chopped
- 7 oz. prosciutto sliced crosswise into 1/2" strips
- 1 lb. mixed heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add penne and cook to al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water, set aside.

While pasta is working, prep other ingredients. Combine mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts tomatoes, prosciutto, garlic, cheese, and parsley in a a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together vinegar and oil with salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked pasta to large bowl with other ingredients and toss to combine. Pour dressing over other ingredients and toss until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with additional salt and pepper. Put in your face. Eat.