summer garden pasta (via Ina Garten)

A tree fell on our house this week. 

Our neighbors' tree in their backyard gave up the ghost and landed on our house. Twelve inches to the left, and it would have smashed through the window of the room where our twin daughters sleep. 

But that didn't happen. They cried for thirty seconds after what sounded like a bomb exploded on our roof, tree limbs stabbing through the shingles. Good girls.

Havoc in the upstairs bathroom with new skylights where there had been none, plaster all around. But our son slept soundly. Good boy.

We were all fine.

That's what we're left with after the tree. We're all fine. No one was hurt. The neighborhood came running at 11:00 p.m., ready to help in whatever way the could. Nothing to do but stare in wonder at what could have happened, how bad it was but just how much worse it could have been.

We are fine. 

We keep telling ourselves that. 

We are fine. 

So. The week goes on, and I traveled for work. Back home, the last thing I wanted to do was cook. A bottle of wine and some ice cream watching Top Chef sounded like the perfect evening with Karen, sitting on the couch and just being still under our tarp-wrapped roof. 

But she made dinner. Really, she's the best. 

Grape tomatoes sliced open, shreds of basil, a lot of garlic, and a kick of pepper flakes over a steaming bowl of pasta. A lot of Parm and olive oil. The tomatoes mellow in a bowl with the garlic for four hours, so you make most of this in the early afternoon for dinner that night.

Comfort and calm on a hot summer night. Exactly what we needed.

Make this when it's hot. When you're tired. When you only have energy for ice cream and wine. And you know, if a tree falls on your house. And remind yourself that you're fine.

recipe | summer garden pasta (via Ina Garten)

• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves) 
• 18 large (or however many you feel like) basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (we add more)
• Kosher salt
• 1 pound dried pasta (linguine fini works well here)
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Combine the cherry tomatoes, ½ cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Make the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the tomato mixture. Douse with the Parm. Top with some extra basil. Eat.

Comments

[A Thought For Food]

I just made a similar recipe the other week. Perfect for the summer!
Only difference was I roasted the tomatoes, but who wants to do that when it's 90 degrees outside.

[Koci]

This looks to great and summery! Yum!

[Mother Rimmy]

What a frightening experience! Amazing no one was hurt.

Your salad looks refreshing and perfect for this time of year.

Lovely!

[Cajun Chef Ryan]

Wow, you are so lucky that the tree did not hit your house. We just had five trees taken down that were way too close to the house, miss the shade now!

Your summer dish is perfect, we have the tomatoes and basil growing in our garden and the other ingredients are in my pantry.

Bon appetit!
=:~)

[Glitter Bomb's Coworker]

So glad to hear You are fine.

Beautifully written.

Will make this tonight with the addition of fresh mozz...

[~Lisa~]

oh my! glad to hear everyone was ok. that was a close call.

[Lynn]

I'm glad to hear everyone is ok, it must have been terrifying.
Your meal looks delicious though.

[penny aka jeroxie]

Oh Gosh! Lucky all are fine.

[Cookin' Canuck]

I'm so glad all of you are okay - how scary! This looks like a tasty, fresh pasta recipe.

[Chef Dennis]

the important thing is that everyone is alright...you see so many crazy accidents that happen by inches....as inconvenient as it is, things can always be replaced....
your wife made an excellent dinner for you...and even for that you are truly blessed.
Dennis

[Wendy Irene]

so glad you and your family are OK!

[Lazaro Cooks!]

Look forward to following you here. Wonderful photos1

Cheers

[A Thought For Food]

Wow... I was so excited by thee recipe I missed the first part of your post. How scary! I'm so glad to hear that you are all ok.

[Gitte]

Good everyone is alright, frightning experience. This dinner sounds absolutely lovely, I will be making this for sure.

[alice]

How scary was that!! Having a tree fall on our house is one of my worst fears. Glad to hear you all are ok. And I love this salad. :)

[Lisa]

Love this recipe. I added some red onions , fresh lemon juice and grilled chicken to make it a real meal for my boyfriend and he couldn't have been happier. Thanks for the post!

[Renee @kudoskitchen]

Glad everyone is ok. This dinner looks easy and tasty. Gotta' love Ina. I certainly do. Sleep well and may no other trees fall into your space. Good deal!