Marco Polo Spaghetti

This dish always gets strange looks. But those who bravely try it are usually pleasantly surprised. I found this recipe by watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood--which is remarkable, because, as a kid, Mr. Rogers always gave me the creeps (which I now feel guilty for, because it turns out he was a sincere Christian guy). Anyway, he had on Julia Roberts, and she made this dish. She dumped it all into a big bowl and tossed it all together. We let people pick and choose the toppings they want. While googling to see if I could find the show, I found this more grown-up version of Marco Polo by Julia Child. Check out this part of the instructions: "With flourish and confidence, begin by elegantly folding into the spaghetti the chopped nuts and vegetables, along with the parsley and basil." Ha! You've got to love Julie Child! Did you know she was 6 feet 2 inches tall! Too tall to enlist in the WACs and the WAVES during WWII, she joined the OSS in the Secret Intelligence division--practically a spy! Anyway, we love this dish--be brave and try it!

Marco Polo Spaghetti

Spaghetti (we prefer Vermicelli)
tuna, drained
swiss cheese, grated
olives, sliced
walnuts, chopped,
pimento, chopped (once we discovered roasted red peppers, we converted and NEVER looked back!)

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. (I always generously salt the water and then after draining the pasta, toss it in olive oil.) Put on the toppings that you like (with flourish and confidence mind you! Oh, and elegance!). Enjoy! (Since the toppings are all cold or room temperature, I find zapping your final plate in the microwave for about 30 seconds will greatly enhance your dining pleasure!) :)