Down East Marinated Pasta Sauce

I had quite a number of garden tomatoes which had ripened on my window sill over the past weeks and needed to be used up soon.  I came up with this recipe which turns out to be nearly identical to a discontinued pasta that disappeared off store shelves years ago almost as soon as I had found it.  Thinking how much I paid for that little box compared with the cost to prepare this recipe which feeds my whole family as a main dish amazes me.   I didn’t know better!  Anyway, this dish is healthy, nearly addicting and a great way to use tomatoes particularly during tomato season.  The whole family may appreciate a plate of this; heavy on the noodles for the children and loaded up with marinated tomato goodness for those with a more mature sense of taste.  Most importantly, this dish is easy and inexpensive to make particularly if you grow a garden.  Purchase pasta when it goes on sale for .90 per pound or better yet stock up at .49 per pound.  All other ingredients can be bought in bulk at places like Sam’s Club for a savings.
 
The Recipe:  Down East Marinated Pasta Sauce
6 large ripened tomatoes
1 1/2 TBSP dried basil
1 heaping tsp. minced garlic or two minced cloves
1/2 c. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 pound angel hair
generous sprinkle of black pepper
1 c. shredded mozzarella
*Cut tomatoes up and place in medium size bowl.  Add basil, garlic, olive oil and salt and lightly stir.  Let stand at room temperature for one hour.
*Cook pasta according to directions.  Drain and transfer to a serving bowl or pasta platter. 
*Pour marinated tomatoes over top of pasta.  Sprinkle generously with black pepper and top with mozzarella.  Serve immediately and enjoy.
***  Suggest serving with a tossed green salad, homemade Italian Dressing and a loaf of warm French bread.  Leftovers???  Warm it up and take it with you in a thermos for a quick and delicious packed lunch.