Butternut Squash, Sage and Butter Spaghetti

My mom is about as independent as someone can be who is almost 98 years old.   She lives in the house I grew up with, and one of her favorite activities is gardening.  She was out cutting and trimming succulents one day, trying to pull out a root, when she lost her balance.  She fell hard on asphalt, injuring her head, both hands, her knee and a few other scratches.  Luckily her housekeeper, Chayo, heard her calling and came and got her up right away.  She went right to UCLA emergency, where after a CAT scan, x-rays, and treatment for her cuts, she was sent home.

Lucky for her there was no brain bleed.  Just a lot of abrasions and swelling.  Lots of swelling.  I have been here for a few days, and she's doing fine.  She'll be good as new in a few weeks, but won't be gardening again soo

We had planned to go to Palmieri for dinner on Saturday night, a day after the fall.  My mom looked so bad she wouldn't go out.  she was afraid she might scare someone.  So instead, I made a delicious Italian dinner at home.  Here's what we ate.

                                                          Butternut Squash, Sage and Butter Spaghetti

1/2 pound butternut squash, cubed

spaghetti for 2

1/2 cup loosely packed sage leaves, roughly chopped

3 T. butter

3 cloves garlic, sliced

parmesean cheese as needed

Roast butter nut squash on a sheet pan after tossing in olive oil for 30 minutes or until tender.  Remove and put aside.  Melt butter, add garlic and cook for a few minutes.  Add sage, and mix.  Then add butternut squash.

Cook pasta to desired doneness, drain and return to pot.  Add squash mixture and lots of parmesean cheese.  Eat and enjoy.

C