Question: The Old Homestead Restaurant in Burnt Hills, N.Y., serves a delicious "lighter fare" pasta and spinach dish called "Karen's Kreation." I hope they will share the recipe with you. Joanne McFadden, Charlton, N.Y.
Answer: Pewter, an alloy consisting of tin and containing antimony for strength and copper for color -- and in the past, lead -- stands more heat and is firmer than either metal alone. Although the crafting of pewter dates back to ancient times, pewter vessels gained importance in England during the Roman Empire's occupation, when Roman soldiers smelted material from the mines in Cornwall and molded pewter for seals of office as well as home use.By 1348, London had become the world's largest manufacturer of pewter. By 1474, England was regulating the trade of pewter through a royal charter granted by King Edward, IV, which established England as the sole governing body of the trade of pewter vessels.
Increasing demand for the easy care, high-luster, low priced alloy led to expanded interest in pewter crafting and the establishment of pewter guilds in France and Belgium.
American colonists began producing pewter by reworking damaged goods from Europe. Between 1750 and 1850, master pewterers, who produced plates, mugs, teapots, bowls, candlesticks and coins, created noteworthy American pewter designs. In today's market, cast, hammered, or spun pewter enjoys durable popularity in spite of the mass production of porcelain tableware. Stamped heirloom pewter is truly a collectible.
Nestled in the hamlet of Burnt Hills, N.Y., The Old Homestead is midway between Albany, the state capital, and Saratoga Springs, home of the famous thoroughbred racetrack. The 120-year-old shake farm house and cozy tavern is a favorite gathering spot for folks who linger beside the large fireplace on wintry nights.
In keeping with the American tradition of quaffing ale from a pewter tankard, waiters retrieve personalized handcast pewter mugs from behind the tavern's bar to serve members of the Old Homestead's Mug Club Hearthstone Ale, the restaurant's own English brown ale. Although the dining room menu takes advantage of changing seasons, Karen's Kreation, a combination of pasta, mushrooms, and spinach lightly napped with tomato, is a year-around favorite.
KAREN'S KREATION
6-8 ounces penne pasta or garden-style twirl pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
1-2 large plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
4 cups loosely packed fresh chopped spinach
1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped garlic
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
2 tablespoons fresh marinara sauce, store-bought
2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Prepare pasta according to directions on manufacturer's package. Set aside. Heat olive oil in large saute pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, garlic and basil. Lightly toss over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add marinara sauce. Add wine (optional). Place pasta in serving bowl and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Yields 2 servings.