Rigatoni with Garlic Crumbs

Heat oil in a medium saucepan and fry shallots and bacon gently for about 6-8 minutes, stirring continuously until golden. Add dried chilies and chopped tomatoes. Half-cover pan and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut crusts off bread and discard. Reduce bread to crumbs in a blender or food processor. Heat butter in a frying pan, add garlic and bread crumbs and stir fry until golden crisp. Keep stirring and don't let crumbs catch and burn or final result will be ruined.

Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water according to instructions on package, until al dente. Drain well.

Toss pasta with tomato sauce and divide among individual warmed serving plates. Sprinkle pasta with golden bread crumbs and serve immediately.

NOTE: To keep bread crumbs crisp and dry after frying, drain on paper towels and place in a 200 degrees F oven until ready to use.