Meal and a Movie: Elf

You may think I am a cotton headed ninny muggins, but adding a bit of maple syrup to pasta actually tastes great! Especially when you are preparing the perfect meal pairing for an Elf viewing. Elf is one of those sweet kind-hearted movies that became a holiday classic as soon as it hit theaters. Son of a nutcracker, this is one flick that can speak for itself.

We elves try to stick to the four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup.

First, I traveled through the seven layers of the candy cane forest, past the sea of twirly surly gumdrops, then I walked through the Lincoln tunnel.

You're more of an elf than anyone I've ever met.

It's nice to meet another human with an affinity for elf culture.

I love the veiled reference to Ed Asner's Jewish Santa: You smell like beef and cheese. You don't smell like Santa. You're an impostor. But I wonder about the dropped storyline back at the orphanage. Aren't the nuns upset that baby Buddy disappears?

Last night as we cited the Code of Elves (see below), I served Pumpkin Parmigiano Pasta. T was incredulous. "No. You didn't. Is there maple syrup in this?" It is a subtle flavor, and as T described, an acquired taste. Have some ramen noodles on hand for picky diners. Two-liter bottles of Coca-Cola, lots of crappy coffee, gum, Toll House cookie dough, and Pop Tarts round out the menu. 

1. Treat Every Day Like Christmas.

2. There's Room For Everyone on the Nice List.

3. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Pumpkin Parmigiano Pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup half and half
1 cup prepared pumpkin
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup Parmagiano, shredded
Fresh cracked pepper and nutmeg
Cayenne and cloves

Melt butter over medium heat; add half and half, pumpkin, and maple. Bring mixture to a simmer and allow to cook about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and spices. Serve over pasta.