Think You're Too Good For Frozen Calamari?

Well it works splendidly in the following application:

Begin by buying 1 lb. of frozen calamari at your local supermarket (top price will be $7). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator in the calamari's original packaging. When fully thawed rinse very briefly, drain, then place in a ceramic bowl and marinate with 2 T. olive oil, 1 T. lime or lemon juice and 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic. The marination process can be between 1 and 4 hours.

When ready to cook, heat 2-3 T. olive oil in a large skillet until almost smoking. When screaming hot throw in the calamari and season heavily with salt and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute. Now add: 1 diced plum tomato and 3 chopped scallions. If you care to, add about 1 cup of razor-thin slices of bell peppers of any hue. Cook for an additional minute or until the calamari has just become opaque. Warning: overcooking will result in a dish of seasoned rubber bands!

Remove calamari from pan and garnish profusely with chopped parsley. Serve as is, with rice, or over toasted baguettes as above.