It’s two days after Christmas. Actually, if you want to get technical, it’s only December 21st. My kids and I celebrated early before they left to spend the week with their dad. This year it’s his holiday and whenever that happens we celebrate before they go. I sit on the floor surrounded by opened presents, cardboard packaging, leftover twine and shiny Christmas bows. Stockings and their contents spill out all over the rug and couches. Despite my best efforts to keep up, I continue to find remnants of beautiful Santa wrapping paper, sheets of colorful tissue paper and a stray gift bag. I return most of the gifts to each of my kids’ rooms noting each small pile and reflecting on the influence minimalism has already started to take on my life. There isn’t any “junk.” My kids have had a wonderful Christmas and are thrilled with their gifts but there isn’t an excess. There was nothing purchased “just to have something to open.” I was very careful to be intentional about each item we broug...
Garlic. Oregano. Cheese. Spaghetti like you’ve never imagined it. It’s not red, it’s orange, and it explodes inside your mouth with flavors that are clearly not Italian. They’re Dominican. When my brother brought his wife over from the Dominican Republic, he brought her food with her. She didn’t wait a day to begin cooking, and I’ve never known anyone to be so comfortable no matter what kitchen they’re in. This is so alike the spaghetti you’ve had and yet so different. To the best of my ability to recreate it, here is how it’s done: Boil pasta until it is al dente. Heat olive oil and gently sauté several cloves of fresh garlic (do not mince; mashing is essential for authentic spaghetti). Add tomato sauce or paste, oregano, a little milk, cooked chicken and grated cheese to taste. Combine with pasta and salt to taste. Serve with salad. Bueno!