Mood:
energeticTopic: Food
It's been a long time since I've cooked anything, let alone cooked for myself. In fact, my refrigerator is pretty embarrassing, as it only has a 2 liter of lemonade, some sangria, and jelly inside of it.
A small part of my is afraid to admit that cooking might be a little piece of baggage for me (just a carry-on). But it is also a great source of joy for me; it allows me time to myself, a project to accomplish, and a great meal to eat. So here's to getting back in the game!
I couldn't think of any greater reason to get out my pots and pans, other than the fact that my basil plant outside was ready to be trimmed. And eaten. So I planned one of my favorite meals to cook just so I could use a pile of fresh basil.
Years ago, my favorite restaurant (dare I say of-all-time) closed in Indianapolis. Known as Bertolini's, it was home to delicious pasta, pizza, and "Spaghetti Ice". I've always said if I had one meal left to eat on this earth it would be Bertolini's Calamari Fritti, their crusty bread with the olive and caper sauce, and end it with a huge helping of tiramisu.
But for my entree? Hands down it would be Bertolini's Capelli d'Angelo al Pomodoro e Basillico.
Oh. My. God.
This dish is served in a large white bowl, full of the thinnest angel hair pasta, which believe me, makes all the difference. The noodles are intertwined with warm chopped tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and whole cloves of garlic, all glistening in a sheen of olive oil.
So amazing. It might be the closest thing to a religious experience I've ever had. And it packed its bags and moved to Vegas. Jesus!!
Anyway, I have always tried to perfect a dish like this at my own home; I come close, but it's never quite the same. However, Wednesday night, I gave it a whirl.
Basil (center) growing tall and mighty with Rosemary (left) coming along slowly, and Thyme (right), well taking its sweet-ass time.
