How To Feed An Unexpected Multitude

People show up unexpectedly demanding food? The traditional Italian response is a spaghettata aglio e olio.

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 35 minutes

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Here's How:

1. Assemble your ingredients: 1/4 pound or so pasta per person, 1 clove garlic every 2-3 people, shredded hot pepper, olive oil.
2. Put a big pot of water to boil.
3. In the meantime, chop the garlic and shred red pepper to taste (remember you're not making chili).
4. When the water comes to a boil salt it and add the spaghetti, stirring to separate the strands.
5. While the pasta is cooking heat 2 tablespoons of extravirgin olive oil per person in a pot.
6. When it begins to burble add the minced garlic and shredded pepper.
7. Cook, stirring, for a scant minute and turn off the flame. You do not want the garlic to burn.
8. While this is happening have someone set the table. A white wine from Frascati will be perfect if you have it.
9. As soon as the spaghetti are done (start checking a minute before the cooking time on the package) drain it and put it in a bowl.
10. Pour the sauce over the pasta, stir vigorously, and serve, with grated cheese on the side for those who want it (some will).
    

Tips:

1. A Salad is optional.
2. In Italy, this is a common late-night snack. It's also the one dish all Italian men know how to make.

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