The Quest for Satan’s Crustaceans

DEAR SOS: The Pasta Factory in Marina del Rey makes a wonderful Shrimp al Diablo (shrimp from the devil--it’s spicy!) with linguine. I have tried unsuccessfully to duplicate this dish at home and would be most grateful if you could obtain the recipe.

BARBARA KAVELIN

Santa Monica

DEAR BARBARA: Shrimp from down under. Here you go.

Shrimp al Diablo: Active Work Time and Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes

1/3 cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, chopped

3 pounds large shrimp, shelled

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes

4 cups marinara sauce

2 cups dry white wine

1 1/2 pounds linguine

Salt

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the shrimp, oregano, basil and pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and wine and simmer until it thickens a little, 3 to 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions, then drain. Divide the pasta among serving dishes and top with the shrimp sauce.

6 servings. Each serving: 610 calories; 1,167 mg sodium; 369 mg cholesterol; 18 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 49 grams carbohydrates; 48 grams protein; 5.12 grams fiber.

Mix Your Own

DEAR SOS: I keep many spices and herbs on my spice rack. I also grow many herbs. It seems a waste to purchase such mixes. Two that are called for frequently in recipes are poultry seasoning and pumpkin pie spice. Please publish the proportions for these so I can make them.

CHARLOTTE L. GULSBY Huntington Beach

DEAR CHARLOTTE: If you grow herbs at home, then you can use or dry only what you need. When dried, herbs should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Dried herbs and spices will keep six months to a year or more; check to see if they still have a strong aroma. If so, they should be fine to use.

Poultry Seasoning: Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 5 minutes

1/2 teaspoon ground thyme

1 teaspoon ground sage

1 teaspoon ground rosemary

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground basil

1/2 teaspoon ground paprika

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram

Combine the thyme, sage, rosemary, coriander, basil, paprika, pepper and marjoram. Store in an airtight jar or container.

5 1/2 teaspoons.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 5 minutes

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon ground cardamom

Combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom. Store in an airtight jar or container.

7 tablespoons.