My kitchen is a battlefield (EndGames of Thrones)

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Whenever friends come to visit me, they would always request for anything pasta. May it be with Aligue (crab fat) or shrimp or lasagna or the most requested baked macaroni.

This afternoon, friends from college went to visit. It was unplanned. But glad they did. Though I hate surprises, after watching Game of Thrones episode earlier, I could really use a friend and a drink. Yup, it was a very stressful and dark (literally) episode. Have you seen it?! Have you seen how Arya turned into Arya f*cking Stark?! The once helpless child to faceless assassin to a Night King Slayer. Sorry to spoil but yeah, she killed the night king with the Valyrian dagger just like that. Though I don’t wanna think that the hot, steamy night with Gendry before the Great war has something to do with her maturity coming full circle, I’d still want to thank Gendry for his weapon, I mean the weapon Arya asked him to make. 🤪 Having an additional weapon aside from her Needle and Valyrian dagger, perhaps made her more charged (not equipped because she already is. I mean for me, she is way equipped than any skilled soldiers in Westeros) for the great battle of Winterfell.

Speaking of “equipped”, I used to stock up things in the kitchen if in case there will be surprise visits from relatives or friends. That’s how I make sure I am equipped to entertain visitors. Kitchen is my battlefield. There were days I feel triumphant, sometimes defeated with all the mess I created. But everytime I hear my kids “that was awesome mom” or “this taste better than..” I feel closer to those heroes dedicating their lives to save the world. Haha. But this time around, I’m no hero. BLAME THE STARKS, I only had cherry tomatoes and arugula inside the ref. I skipped the weekend grocery for Marvel and HBO. My weekend was very unproductive, Just when I thought I’m over the endgame, here’s GOT rubbing the pain and adding more excitement. It was a roller coaster effin ride and I was an emotional wreck! 🤪

Anyways, I was saved by the homemade Angus burger patties I pre-made the day before. I always make sure we have patties for my boys big cravings for burger. Safer and cheaper than Mcdos/KFC drive thru’s. Still lucky, huh!

“Don’t panic, mah lady”, told my self. “I got us covered, You are the Ironmom and you can change the world, too!” Haha! (Oooops, #dontspoiltheendgame). And without too much contemplation, I made them my Easy Cherry Tomato PaSTARK and MARVELous Angus Burger!

This recipe was born after I learned about the Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Basil on the net while looking for pica pica recipes. The name I only made up today to make it “timely“. I added feta cheese on the original menu, and topped it on bruschetta and it was a hit. I know it could be a good (oil or tomato base?I’m confused too) pasta sauce so I tweaked it a bit by adding sugar so the sauce won’t be sour, I added pepper and Thai chili flakes for the kick. That’s why I love Black widow. Among the Avengers, She’s the kicker! And I’m happy that in Endgame, her character has given a soul it deserves. For she’s more than just a form, she’s a woman of substance. 🥺

I have tried changing the basil to spinach to arugula to punch up the flavor. The pungent flavor of arugula outshines the 2, perhaps it’s the “peppery flavor with nuances of nuts and mustard” that made it more appealing for my tastebuds. In the Endgame, noone outshines the other. I’m happy about it. Just like in every good tasting menu, it’s the balance of all the characters and ingredients that make it special.

So, after few balancing and experiment, I have found the recipe that is not only satisfying, filling but is easy to make. You can prepare this in less than 15mins. You can do it while watching the last 8 significant minutes of Endgame and you’ll end up both crying and smiling. Haha.

I had no feta available so I used parmesan instead. It could have been better with feta but my resources is limited. If I only have the time stone. 🤟🏼

While writing this, I came to imagine the taste had I roast first those lovely cherry tomatoes. 🤗 Next time, maybe?!

“Not today” -Arya

Verdict: They loved the pasta, and burger and for a moment I forgot the terrifying scenes of Endgame and Game of Thrones.

Thank God for good friends and good food!

Xoxo,

anna

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Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta

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INGREDIENTS

• 400g pasta
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 400-600grams cherry tomatoes
• ground black pepper
• Pinch of sugar
• 1 cup fresh Arugula
• Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

PREPARATION

1. 1. 1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet or wide heavy saucepan over medium-high. Add garlic, then tomatoes, pepper, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt or to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices to form a sauce, 6–8 minutes. Voila!

Toss pasta with the sauce and Arugula. Top with Parmesan and dried chili flakes.

**I haven’t tried it yet but I think adding cashew nuts will put more texture to the pasta.

Best served with wine.