1 bag fresh spinach, torn into bite-size pieces
1 box "bow tie" pasta
1 pkg. "fake" crab or other meat, in bite size chunks
1 c. almonds or other nuts
1 c. broccoli flowerets, chopped
1 container cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 small onion, very finely chopped
cloves of garlic to taste, finely minced
black pepper to taste (a lot is good)
1/2 c. light olive oil (for dressing, additional for cooking)
1/4 c. vinegar
black olives (optional)
1/4 to 1/2 c. Parmesan or other cheese to taste (optional)
fresh or dried herbs (optional)

Rinse and dry spinach. Cook pasta according to package directions; do not overcook! Rinse and set aside.

In two tablespoons or so of olive oil, "toast" the almonds until lightly brown. Add salt if desired as they cook. Put to the side after cooking.

In the same pan, add two more tablespoons of oil. Sauté the onions until they begin to become translucent. Add as much garlic as you prefer. Sauté about two minutes. Add the crab and cook until the onions are done and the crab begins to look brown around some of the edges. Salt and pepper as you cook. (Note: if you prefer, you may also saut the broccoli.) Let cool completely.

In a glass mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar. This is completely subjective. Add more or less of either as your personal taste dictates. Add salt, pepper and any fresh or dried herbs you might prefer.

Place all the ingredients, except the dressing, in a large roasting pan (for easier mixing.) Toss well. Add additional pepper; you will not need more salt. After all is well mixed, drizzle on the dressing. Toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate.

Note: You may eat this immediately, but many people find it is better after it is re-chilled. Personally, I like it better on the second and third day. And, because this makes so much, you have the pleasure of sharing or eating for several days.

Substitutions: The original recipe calls for pine nuts, but those are hard to find and expensive. Both pecans and almonds work well, but you must must must toast the nuts. That is the key. Also, the crab, onions and garlic were not in the original recipe. You may leave all of this out and simply throw in chopped deli ham or leftover cooked chicken instead. Other ingredients could include cubed cheese, chopped parsley, melon or asparagus. Fresh corn (slightly cooked) would also be wonderful.