Dinner for one, please!

Contrary to popular belief, I don't only eat sweets and baked goods... even though that sounds amazing. Sometimes I've got a craving for the savory. When you're feeling lonely or down, or even if you're feeling just fine, a warm bowl of pasta is just what you need to bring you a new level of happiness. I mean, carbs, right? Carbs are always comforting. The pumpkin cream sauce doesn't hurt either.

There's a chill in the air this week in New York. Sunday, as I headed home from yet another movie date with myself, I passed couples holding hands in Central Park, while Jason Mraz crooned love songs in my headphones. The dreary sky and mist had formed my hair into a giant unruly cloud of tangles and my stomach was growling after having skipped lunch. My thoughts went something like "Everyone's in love! Blah blah blah, I'll be alone FoReVeR!!!" You know those moments? I was in a mood, okay? We've all been there!

I went home and got to work making up a pasta recipe as I went along, Jason Mraz still serenading my thought processes. By the time I sat down to enjoy my bowl of pumpkin pasta I had a realization: It's okay. I'm going to trust my favorite artist and his remedy not worry my life away. I've got a whole lot to be thankful for. This realization also lead to me purchasing a ticket to the Jason Mraz concert at Radio City Music Hall for Monday night even though I had no one to go with, but heck, I don't regret this decision. Going alone to a concert was kind of a thrilling experience. No one cared if I sang (off-key) or snuck up to the front of the mezzanine for a better view. The next time an opportunity comes along to see him in concert I won't hesitate no more. No more! It cannot wait. I'm sure. See what I did there? He's got the voice of an angel, folks, and his songs were the perfect reminder that happiness is a choice, not something you get from another person.

Eating this pasta is also a choice; A choice you should definitely make. I know I ended up on a weird tangent there about Jason Mraz and being okay with being alone and stuff but I will have you know that this pasta helped get me there. Eat it. You might have some realizations too.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
4 healthy servings (or 2 unhealthy servings... or 1 serving for someone who is out of control)

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup half and half
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons pecorino romano cheese
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
10 crispy sage leaves, crumbled (recipe follows)
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb pappardelle pasta, cooked

Before preparing ingredients, begin to heat large pot of water on the stove. You can add a teaspoon of salt to the water now to flavor your pasta.

In a large skillet melt butter over low heat. Mince garlic and add to the melted butter in the skillet. Cook for one minute or until slightly golden in color. Turn off heat and add tablespoon of flour to soak up butter.

You can now add your pappardelle to the boiling water. It should only take about three minutes to cook so keep an eye on it during the next step.

Pour in half and half and pumpkin into skillet. Heat mixture over a low heat, using a coated whisk to stir together liquids and garlic/butter/flour base. This should only take a couple minutes. Add in cheese, crispy sage, cinnamon, and salt and pepper. Continue to whisk to keep consistency smooth and creamy.

Strain pasta and add noodles directly to the pumpkin sauce. Turn off heat and stir to coat all pasta noodles. Serve immediately. Top with extra crispy sage leaves and a dash of grated pecorino romano cheese.

Crispy Sage Leaves

20 to thirty sage leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil

Heat olive oil in small skillet over medium heat.

Wash sage leave and trim off stems. Dry very well with a paper towel. The less water you have on them, the less oil will splatter.

Gently add sage leaves into hot oil and cook for one minute or until slightly brown. Remove with tongs and place on paper towel to soak up oil.