gratitude-a-thon day 146: pasta (cue the hallelujah chorus)

I could eat a bowl of pasta right now. By the way, it’s 5:45 a.m. That’s a lie. I could eat two bowls. Maybe three.

I love pasta like I love my legs, my dead mom, my first cup of coffee. It is more satisfying than finding out Ann Coulter has awakened unable to speak in that whiney, entitled voice, more versatile than a chameleon, and more delicious than being too tired to water the garden and having an unexpected flash rain storm hit.

Here are my top favorite ways of eating it, but honestly, I could probably enjoy it mixed with mud and gravel.

1.Aglio et olio. Ok, a moment for me to collect myself, since I was lost in the thought of a mouthful of this heavenly magic. I have no limit on this taste. I can eat a pound of pasta and look for more. Simple, simple. I like it best made with spaghetti. I then put it in a pan chop up as much garlic as my hand will allow, throw in my favorite oil and turn the heat on low, while tossing and tossing. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

2. Spaghetti and meatballs. i use my mom’s recipe for the balls, with a slight twist. I use white turkey meat in place of red meat. I swear, they’re  just as good. I might even like them better (sorry ma).

3. Macaroni and cheese. Drool, groan, moan. I am a slave to macaroni and cheese, although I barely eat it and never make it. I fear if I did, I would never stop. My mom made killer M&C. I can smell it. I’m no snob, though, I used to sneak me some bites of Annie’s, and here comes the health police, Kraft, when the kids were little. This is one of the most satisflying things i can think of to put into my mouth. Seriously. It should practically be illegal.

4. Fettuccine Alfredo. I just jumped to the ceiling with joy at the thought of this rich, creamy, DREAMY meal. I used to eat this every chance I got, but honestly can’t remember the last time I sat down to a plate of it. I may have to change that in the next few days.

5. Carbonara. When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s great, I want to bathe in it.

6. Pastina. This is a comfort food of my childhood. And it’s one I still make for my kids. You take chicken broth and boil it, then you take small pasta, like elbows, or the teeny tiny alphabets, or the actual pasta called pastina, and throw it in, then a minute later you slowly lower the heat and pour in scrambled eggs and mix like crazy. Troubles fade away in moments. Harp music plays.

7. Bolognese. I love the one at Pomodoro, but I make a pretty darn good one myself. I just cook a bunch of meat, in sauce all day long. I think you could cook a rug all day and it would taste good, but use short ribs and pork and any kind of meat and you are on your way to a a fat slice of Christmas.

8. A good lasagna is like a stellar beach. Hard to find. So when you do, keep the recipe with your good jewelry.

9. Pasta Pesto. C’mon now. This is the taste of ecstasy. But it has to be just so. I like my own best, but Pam’s Provisions Pesto from the Vineyard is a super close second.

10. Sausage & pasta. I take out the sausage from its casing and crumble, fry it up, throw in the pasta (already cooked) and douse the whole darn thing in Parmigiano-Reggiano. Oh yeah. OHHHHHHHHH. YEAH.

Hmmmmm. Wonder what I’ll be having for dinner tonight? Forget dinner, how bout breakfast.