Twenty-five years – that’s a long time ago. For some it’s more than a lifetime ago. For others it might feel like only yesterday. For many Americans, today was our Pearl Harbor Day – a day that changed the world.
It amazes me that September 11 did not herald in World War III. Were we that capable of restrain? Had we learned from the past World Wars? With all the weapons of mass destruction at our disposal, why didn’t we just blast our enemies from the face of the earth?
But then again, how would you do that? If we were to round up all Arab people, all those of Muslim Jihad ideology, everyone who speaks differently, thinks differently, prays differently, what does that say about us? No, we need to rise above the anger, the hatred, the mistrust. There are good people in every walk of life, in every corner of existence. Just as there is evil lurking in the darkest recesses of our very souls. Hatred and bigotry are a cancer. Love and acceptance is the cure. Show kindness. Feel compassion. Don’t just speak but listen.
In the days and weeks and even months following 9-11; the mood of the country wasn’t just echoed in the evening news, it was reflected in the arts. We were reminded in song and entertainment. I can remember well an episode of Law and Order, with Lenny standing on the street, his body quivering in anger as he pointed to where the towers once stood, conveying justification of his bitterness by what was missing. On dramas such as JAG, references to 9-11, took center stage as supporting characters expressing a deep sense of duty to serve in more than one episode. Those dramatized fictional moments are forever preserved as reminders in the endless stream of television re-runs. We should never forget the price of freedom nor the cost of hatred toward our fellow man.
In a round about way today’s recipe comes from JAG officer Lieutenant Harmon Rabb Jr. While not active much these days on social media, David James Elliot did proudly feature a spaghetti dinner that had been prepared by his son. Although his post did not include a recipe, it was enough to inspire me to try my hand at creating Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. I hope you enjoy.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
(Spaghetti in Garlic and Oil Sauce)
16 oz dry Spaghetti Pasta
Salt to taste
10 Garlic Cloves
1/4 cup Italian Parsley
1/4 cup Italian or Mediterranean Infused Olive Oil*
4 tablespoons Butter, divided
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
Note: If you do not have a flavor infused olive oil, use regular olive oil and add dried Italian herbs to taste.
Bring a pot of salted water to a full, rolling boil. Cook pasta just under the al dente, about 10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, peel and thinly slice the garlic. Rinse and pat dry the parsley, mince and set aside.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat add the oil. Allow oil to heat to the point of shimmering, then add 2 tablespoons butter, swirl the pan to incorporate. Once the pasta has been placed into the boiling water and the oil has married with the butter in the pan, lower the heat under the sauté pan to medium-low. Add the garlic to the pan.
Cook the garlic until it is a nice light golden brown (should take 3-5 minutes). Add in the crushed red pepper flakes, stir to combine with the garlic and oil. Once the garlic reaches a light golden color, remove the pan from the heat.
Once the pasta is nearly cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
Immediately add the drained pasta to the garlic oil-butter sauce. Top pasta with remaining butter. Stir in the reserved pasta water to create a saucy consistancy. Use tongs or a spoon to continuously toss together for 1-2 minutes, until the pasta reaches al dente doneness with the residual heat and is well coated. Plate and enjoy served with a nice spring salad and sparkling glass of wine.
Save us O LORD
From all who seek evil
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