Dining With Duncan

by Duncan Teater

The Valentine's Day Issue - February 11, 1999

Love is best communicated through a subtle glance, a fleeting touch, and a commitment made with passion, esteem, and that elusive bond of attraction. Such communication is intangible and difficult to manipulate, but food is a conduit which smooths the channels of love. Food is a language that obliquely touches the heart by way of the stomach. The surest way to comfort someone, make them swoon, or assure them of their partner's caring, is to fix them a meal. Food is essential to survival, so when it is fixed for someone, that very special person is being protected and cared for.

With all of that in mind, here are some recipes for an easy to prepare meal that can make your valentine swoon. Despite the simplicity, these two dishes are healthful and tasty, and warm the heart. Imagine bringing your certain somebody into the dining hall, guiding them past the food bars, sitting them down, and telling them that you'll be doing the cooking.

Spinach and Pasta… of Looove

What you'll need:
Pasta (for two)
Spinach (for two)
Italian spices (for two)
Olive oil (for two)
Parmesan cheese (for two)

Take the spinach and place in a bowl with one or two spoons of water and two or three pinches of Italian spices. Place another bowl on top of the first to create a steam chamber. Microwave for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Be careful in removing the chamber, as it will be hot. Prepare the pasta by adding olive oil (as much or little as you like), parmesan (as much or as little), and two or three pinches of Italian spices, and then warming in the microwave. Place the spinach artfully on top of the pasta, and you're done.

Banana Milk Shake… of Looove

What you'll need:
1 small banana
1 glass of ice cream
Milk

Cut the banana into very small pieces. Add as much or as little banana to the ice cream as you want. After adding however much milk suits your tastes, stir VIGOROUSLY and enjoy. This recipe hearkens back to my childhood, and is a healthful treat when made with healthy ice cream.

Passion! LOVE! Art! Food!

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