Baked Pasta and Sausage Dinner

• Baked Cavatelli (see recipe below)
• Artichoke Salad
• Roasted Pepper Bread
• Pears and Caramel Sauce

Baked Cavatelli is brimming with sausage, so it can stand up to a gutsy Artichoke Salad and Roasted Pepper Bread. Pears and Caramel Sauce is a sweet end to this meal. Artichokes, roast peppers, and caramel sauce are easy to keep on hand for spur-of-the-moment inspiration -- and guests if they show up.

Puree equal parts marinated artichoke hearts and Italian dressing to make a thick dressing for hearty greens like romaine. Toss to dress salad.

Puree drained roasted peppers and spread on crusty bread instead of butter.

Drizzle hot caramel sauce over peeled cored pears.