PORK & PEAR PASTA

Makes: 8 Servings

Ingredients:
1 lb Ziti or other medium pasta shape, uncooked
1 can pear halves packed in heavy syrup, undrained
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1 lb lean boneless pork, cut in strips
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
½ tsp whole thyme
2 cups fresh spinach, sliced thinly
salt
pepper

Directions:
1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, drain and chop pears, reserving 1 ½ cups of juice.
3. Blend cornstarch and soy sauce until smooth.
4. Sprinkle pork with ground red pepper.
5. In a large non-stick, heat oil over high heat.
6. Add pork and stir-fry until thoroughly cooked.
7. Remove pork from skillet and set aside. Add bell pepper to skillet saute 1 minute.
8. Add pears and thyme.
9. Cook until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.
10. Add pork, reserved juice, cornstarch mixture, sesame oil.
11. Cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
12. Drain pasta. Place in a large bowl.
13. Add pork mixture and toss.
14. Add spinach and toss well.
15. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.