I love a good party. I was at one this past weekend, but the only difference: I was the cook and had a crew of helpers (Billy, Brian, and Gretchen). It was my first official, “unofficial” gig and it was a success.
75 people gathered at a downtown party room to celebrate two hardworking graduates. I would be a liar if I said that I was calm the week leading up to the event—I wanted the food to be just right. But, Saturday hit and my nerves mysteriously settled; it was go-time.
Both high schoolers and gourmets enjoyed the menu selections. The clear champs were the sweet potato chips with a garlic mashed potato dollop and the pulled pork. I should also mention that people were extremely eager for the warm chocolate chip cookies.
At one point, I realized the night was moving along very smoothly, and had a feeling I was in for it. Soon after that thought occurred, I opened the refrigerator and a piece of Tupperware cascaded down to the floor. The plastic cracked open and black beans splattered everywhere. The night was now complete with at least one clumsy moment that I could claim as my own. Thankfully it was as painless as spilling the beans.
My favorite part of the evening was easily walking around with the chocolate chip cookie tray—it was my victory lap. I did it.
The next day I was tired. My body shut down. For some reason, I was under the impression that I had enough energy to make a simple dinner. Instead it was a night of me, the couch, and one really long nap. I did not cook on Sunday night, but if I did, I would have made this dish.
Fresh Tomato Pasta
Adapted from Alice Waters’ Fanny at Chez Panisse
5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes – diced
1 cup olive oil
2 TBS red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
generous handful of basil – chopped
1 large garlic clove – minced
s and p
toasted pine nuts or walnuts
spaghetti
parmesan cheese
Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, basil and garlic in a medium size bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Prepare the pasta. Let the pasta cool. Combine the pasta with the tomato mixture. Add nuts and parmesan cheese.