I think the idea of Chinese food and Christmas was implanted with the infamous movie ‘The Christmas Story.’ This dish falls between the lines of Chinese and Italian…it just depends how you look at it. It’s so good, you can’t help but shovel in one bite after the next! Promise. I learned this dish from my friend Marcia, who once asked a chef to tell her the secret ingredient and he said a splash of soy sauce and I tell you it’s just not the same without.

1/2 package spaghetti noodles

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (*not minced)

2 Tablespoons salted butter

1 Tablespoon olive oil

splash soy sauce

Method:

1. Boil heavily salted water for the pasta and cook according to package directions.

2. Finely mince the garlic cloves by hand.

3. Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (a few minutes after the pasta goes into the water).

4. Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet and allow to heat for 30 seconds before adding the minced garlic.

5. Saute the garlic, being careful to not burn it. Immediately turn off the heat as soon as the garlic turns golden. Add a splash of soy sauce and set aside.

6. Toss the drained, hot pasta into the garlic butter mixture. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy.