1. Drain clams and reserve juice. In a 10-12" frying pan, combine 1/2 cup of the clam juice, onion, garlic, and 1/4 cup sake. Stir on high heat until about 1/4 of the liquid remains. Add remaining sake, clams, and capers; simmer 3-4 minutes. Keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a 6-8 quart pan on high heat. Add pasta; cook, uncovered, until tender to bite, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta and pour into a wide bowl; add clam mixture. Lift and mix with 2 forks until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Top pasta with parsley, cheese, and chilies.

~ Laura Wyckoff, Partland, Oregon.