Winter Solstice 2010, Tahini Pasta

Shortest day of the year, that means the least light.
To celebrate, I made:

Tahini Pasta

In a small bowl, mix 2 crushed garlic cloves, one tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup tahini, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, dash of soy sauce.
Cook 500 g. spaghetti, linguine, or other long pasta al dente. When it is ready, drain and cover with olive oil, then mix in the tahini sauce. Serve hot.

Roast Chicken and Potatoes

Place the chicken legs in a roasting pan, cover with olive oil and sprinkle dried sage liberally. Cut potatoes in quarters, with the peel, and put them in the pan with the chicken. Pour more olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste and put in a 400 degree oven for one hour and a half.

Steamed Savoy Cabbage

Cut savoy cabbage into small pieces and steam until just done. Pour olive oil, vinegar and sesame oil onto cooked cabbage and serve warm.

Death and Housework

Last night I heard that one of my oldest friends - we're talking Junior High school, back in the early seventies - lost her husband the other day. A husband of many, many years: children, grandchildren, and a long and full life together. I am so sad for her. And, of course, as I have a husband too, know that it can happen to anyone at any time ... God forbid ...

So what do I do? I think about her all day, and I clean my house - dusting, sweeping, lighting the stove (that doesn't want to light today, and I keep thinking of his cremation and that final fire). I will cook a nice meal for tonight: baked salmon, roast chicken drumsticks and potatoes, challah, humous, various veggies, maybe a cake. Keep everyone on this side satisfied with their lot.

Light candles, be happy.