Can’t cook? Can’t get up from the chair long enough to get yourself over to the stove to light the flame? I know how it is, I know how you’re feeling. I haven’t done more than not finish a crossword for two days. Yesterday I started out in my pajamas, I ended in my pajamas, and I spent the middle in my pajamas. Last night for dinner, Ferdinand had pizza from two days ago, not even heated up. Take a cue from the penguins and get the music on. I’m not talking about surfing some sorry radio station that is going to leave you wanting, I’m talking about pick a song that will transform your blood flow from the feet up. Number 14, Stevie Wonder, The Definitive Collection. When life leaves you feeling like you might just have to look for a rest home sooner than you thought, it’s not enough to hope it’s going to get better on its own. And when you’re up, make something that will deliver in minutes, because you don’t want to lose it before the song is over. You need fresh, clean and inspiring and satisfying.
Wash a bunch of arugula and spin it dry. Smash a garlic clove with the side of your knife and then chop it down until it’s a paste. Open a can of cannellini (these are desperate times) and rinse them well. Toss them with the garlic. Season with sea salt and just a few grinds of black pepper. Squeeze on the juice from half a juicy lemon and drizzle with your best olive oil. Get out the vegetable peeler and shave heavy slivers of parmigiano reggiano. If you can find them, cut baby red onions that are just emerging from their green onion tops (or shallots) into slices. Right before you are ready to sit down and eat, toss the arugula with a little olive oil, lemon and salt, and then toss everything together. Eat it with some seriously crusty bread and feel your cells changing.