Before and After

There HAVE been bears spotted in the neighborhood -- a mother, two cubs and a yearling, roaming in broad daylight! Tonight, the biggest thing I see is a full moon hanging over Seattle, across the water. Or, looking down, my stomach, full of pasta, eggplant and fresh mozzarella. Dinner was mediocre restaurant leftovers, transformed into something altogether more delicious and satisfying. Two nights ago, with visitors from S. California, we went to our favorite restaurant in Poulsbo. Amazing appetizers, great wine and then a disappointing bowl of Pasta Puttanesca. Way too much heavy intense sauce for the portion of penne pasta, but it had potential, so home it came in a box. (See above.) Tonight I broiled slices of eggplant and zucchini, separated the penne from the sauce, sauteed half an onion and a big clove of garlic, mixed together everything but the penne and added some chicken stock. While that was slowly warming up, I cooked some more pasta and diced up some fresh mozzarella. When all was done and combined, I had enough for 2 or 3 meals, the sauce was still very spicy but not overpowering, the mozzarella melted a bit on top and after snapping the photo above, I devoured a bowlful. Very nice with a glass of red wine. A young raccoon was just on the deck, peering in the window at us. I think he wanted some pasta.