PENNE Penne are a type of pasta originating in Italy. They have a cylindrical shape. The ends are almost always cut diagonally. The name comes from that and is derived from penna, which is Latin for "feather" or Quill. ACCOMPANIMENTS Common pasta sauces in northern Italy include pesto (a raw amalgam of pounded basil, pine nuts, and garlic with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Sardo cheeses and olive oil) and bolognese (a rich and slowly simmered sauce based on finely chopped beef or veal); in central Italy, simple tomato sauce and amatriciana (a red tomato/wine based sauce, usually including onion and bacon strips); in Southern Italy, spicy tomato, garlic, and olive oil based sauces, often paired with fresh vegetables or seafood. Varieties include puttanesca (tomatoes, olives and capers), spaghetti alla norma (tomatoes and eggplant), pasta con le sarde (fresh sardines, pine nuts, fennel and olive oil). Pasta sauces rarely eaten in Italy but popular abroad include alfredo (a white cream sauce), and meatballs and tomato sauce (an 'italianesque' dish developed in the US). Information found at Wikipedia. PENNE RECIPES BettyCrocker.com CDKitchen.com Cooks.com MealsMatter.org