Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 large, fresh, ripe tomatoes (about 2lbs.), with skins removed
• 1 lg. clove garlic, minced
• 2-4 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil and/or flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 to 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1/2 lb. fontina or mozzarella cheese, cubed (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3/4 lb. whole grain fettucine, spaghetti, or egg noodles

How to Prepare:
Seed and dice tomatoes, then place in a large bowl. Add garlic, basil and/or parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil and red pepper. Add cheese if desired.

Let mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add oil and salt. When water is boiling vigorously, add pasta.

Stir pasta often but carefully, and drain when pasta is tender but not soft.

Combine immediately with the tomato sauce and serve.