There’s no time to beat around the bush, so here is the long and short of it.  2 weeks ago, I walked into my local pet store to get cat food and walked out with a puppy.  Since that fateful day, our days and nights have consisted of puppy training books, vet visits, thousands of comments uttered such as “good girl”, “No!” and “ouch!”, and more conversations regarding “number 1” and “number 2” than I ever thought humanly possible.  People in the neighborhood actually started talking to us despite the fact that we’ve lived within the same block radius for 6 years.  I’m also still begging forgiveness from the cats.

To be honest, over the last several days, the kitchen has mainly been a place for making coffee, eating a banana while standing, and preparing dog food.  I lost 5 pounds.  One night, I put my foot down.  Along with the bag of dog treats.  A woman needs to eat like a human being, darn it.

I made gemelli with garlicky kale.

It was comforting, quick, and when the puppy was safely asleep in her crate and I was cross-eyed with exhaustion, I only had to wash one pot.  Good girl.

Gemelli with Garlicky Kale for One

8 ounces gemelli
4 leaves of dinosaur kale, ribs removed, torn into bite sized pieces
4 cloves minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup white wine
Grated Pecorino
Salt and Pepper

Cook gemelli in salted water according to package instructions, however, drain 2 minutes before al dente.  Set aside.

In same pan over medium heat, add olive oil, butter and garlic.  Allow garlic to toast for approximately 2 minutes.  Stir in kale and sauté until partially softened, about 2 minutes.  Add gemelli to pot along with white wine and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until combined and pasta is cooked through.

Add salt and pepper to taste and finish with grated Pecorino.  Enjoy while staring at the wall and go to bed immediately.