Nora's Spaghetti with Sand

I have anxiously anticipating the release of the movie Julie & Julia. Julia Child was a trailblazer of food television and Julie Powell created the original food blog devoted to one chef that was the inspiration for the blogging groups so many of us participate in. The movie was delightful and exceeded my expectations. Nora Ephron's adapation of both stories into one seamless parallel is brillant. If you haven't seen it yet, run to the theater! It is a must for food bloggers. We all can identify with Julie's excitement when she receives her first comment on a blog.

This recipe for Spaghetti with Sand is from the movie's director, Nora Ephron. It was a great side dish and could easily be a main dish with the addition of some roasted veggies and/or grilled shrimp or chicken. The pasta is garlicky from the garlic infused oil and the bread crumbs give nice crunch. I added some parmesan to the mine for an extra hit of flavor. As Julia would say, "Bon Appetit!"

Nora's Spaghetti with Sand

Nora Ephron, published in Glamour, September 2009

1 lb. spaghetti

4 cloves of garlic, slivered

2/3 cup olive oil (not virgin)

1 cup coarse bread crumbs

salt and pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped

1. Boil spaghetti according to package instructions.

2. Preheat oven to broil. In a small skillet, saute garlic in oil, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly brown. Remove garlic; discard. Place bread crumbs in a bowl and drizzle with 2 tbsp. of the garlic-infused oil. Toss.

3. Spread crumbs onto a baking sheet; broil in oven to lightly toast, about 6 to 8 minutes.

4. Drain pasta, then toss with remaining oil and toasted bread crumbs. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsely.