it is such a dreary day. There has been bad news in the family and I have no motivation to eat, much less cook. The gray weather outside is not bringing any cheer either. The world just seems so bleak. What a year we have had! So much can be said about that but back to food and eat I must. The most I could muster was to boil some pasta and toss it with some garlicky arugula and parmesan. It surprisingly turned out to be just what I needed.

Ingredients:
Penne or pasta of choice
Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Butter
Red pepper flakes
Arugula leaves
Salt
Pepper
Parmesan
Lemon

Boil pasta in salted water till al dente. Heat equally parts butter and olive oil in a separate pan (about a tablespoon together). Throw in the garlic slivers and a teaspoon pepper flakes (optional). When the garlic browns some, throw in the cooked pasta and toss. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated parmesan (lots of it!) and some more pepper flakes (for good luck, again optional). Top it all off with arugula tossed in oil and lemon to brighten it all up.