According to Wikipedia, spaghetti alla puttanesca literally means “whore’s style spaghetti” in Italian. I mentioned this to my students and it was commented that the garlic might not be the best thing to consume in such a job. Good point! However, I think if most people in a community like garlic and it is consumed by all frequently, this might not be a problem.

Whatever the reason for the name, the food tastes great and comes together quickly. Today we had the pasta, a simple salad with some lettuce and some greens from our garden, garlic bread and a coffee ice cream dessert.

Pasta puttanesca has a number or ingredients in it including anchovies, chilies, olives, tomatoes and parsley. Once you have the hang of making it, the dish can be made in the time it takes to boil your dried pasta.

The garlic bread was rubbed with garlic, olive oil and parsley and baked for a short time in parchment paper. It came out with a crispy bottom and a fluffy soft interior and of course nice and garlic-ky. A salad rounded out the meal and was well dressed with a one-of-a-kind dressing prepared by one of the students.

We were stuffed after eating but the dessert and coffee course was next. A small serving of coffee, cookies, nuts and hot chocolate was a small sweet finish, that along with coffee and tea completed the meal but did not fill anyone to bursting.

The food was great - the students did a superb job with their cooking. Conversation and company was warm and friendly. Thanks for the great lunch!