DEAR SOS: I ordered a delicious ...

DEAR SOS: I ordered a delicious penne with lobster-tomato sauce at Mezzaluna Ristorante in Corona Del Mar. My father was hardly able to keep his fork out of my plate. I would love the recipe in time for his birthday.

--A.C.

DEAR A.C.: The Mezzaluna people promptly sent the recipe, and just in time for a happy birthday.

MEZZALUNA PENNE WITH LOBSTER

5 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1/2 medium red onion, chopped

1 pound Italian tomatoes, peeled and chopped

5 to 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt, pepper

1 pound cooked lobster tail meat

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1/2 penne rigate, or other tube-shaped dried pasta

Heat 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 split clove garlic in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Remove and discard garlic halves. Add chopped tomatoes, basil, sugar, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat about 1 minute stirring frequently. Remove from saucepan and blend in food processor or blender to puree, about 15 seconds.

Chop lobster meat into about 3/4-inch cubes. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet. Add 1 minced garlic cloves and cook over high heat until translucent. Add lobster and continue cooking over high heat 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add chopped parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Add sauce from blender and cook minute or 2 longer. Cook and drain penne. Add to sauce.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Each serving contains about:

331 calories; 344 mg sodium; 54 mg cholesterol; 13 grams fat; 33 grams carbohydrates; 21 grams protein; 0.56 gram fiber.

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