Yours, through the looking glass,
Chef Cosmo and p.a.Sous
(note: we are indulging in a temporary diversion from all things foodie to celebrate our passions for cinema and life :)

aries

march 21 - april 19

They would not remember the simple rules their friends had taught them; such as that a red hot poker will burn you if you hold it too long; and that, if you cut your finger very deeply with a knife, it usually bleeds.
----------
“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen… “why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

taurus

april 20 - may 20

“I shall sit here,” he said, “on and off, for days and days.”
----------
“It’ll be no use putting their heads down and saying, ‘come up again dear!’… if I like being that person, I’ll come up; if not, I’ll stay down here…”

gemini

may 21 to june 20

“It takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!”
----------
“I could tell you my adventure– beginning this morning–”
“At least I knew who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.”

cancer

june 21 - july 22

“I sometimes dig for butter roles, or set lined twigs for crabs; I sometimes search the grassy knolls for wheels of hansom cabs; and that’s the way,” (he gave a wink)
“by which I get my wealth – and very gladly will I drink your honor’s noble health.”
----------
“Yes you see,” he went on after a pause, “it’s as well to be provided for everything.
That’s the reason the horse has all those anklets around his feet.”
“But what are they for?” Alice asked, in a tone of great curiosity.
“To guard against the bites of sharks,” the Knight replied.

leo

july 23 -august 22 

“’Tis an honor to see me, a favor to hear; ’tis a privilege high to have dinner and tea
along with the Red Queen, the White Queen and me!”
----------
The Queen turned crimson with fury, and,
after glaring at her for a moment
like a wild beast, began screaming,
“Off with her head!”

virgo

august 23 - september 22

“If seven maids with seven mops swept it for half a year, do you suppose,”
the Walrus said, “that they could get it clear?”
“I doubt it,” said the Carpenter, and shed a bitter tear.
----------
But four young oysters hurried up, all eager for the treat: their coats were brushed,
their faces washed, their shoes were clean and neat-

libra

september 23 - october 22

And so she went on taking first one side and then another and making quite a conversation of it altogether… she generally gave herself very good advice (though she seldom followed it…)
----------
“I wish they’d get the trial done… and hand round the refreshments!”

scorpio

october 23 - november 21

“The question is… which is to be the Master – that’s all.”
----------
“Keep your temper,” said The Caterpillar…
“you’ll get used to it time,” and it put the hookah
into it’s mouth; and began smoking again.

sagittarius

november 22 - december 21

“You may change me with murder – or want of sense (we are all of us weak at times); but the slightest approach to a false pretense was never among my crimes!”
----------
“No, no! The adventures first,” said the Gryphon in an important tone: “explanations take such a dreadful time.”

capricorn

december 22 - january 19

“You are old, Father William,” the young man said, “and your hair has become very white; and yet you incessantly stand on your head – do you think, at your age, it is right?”
----------
“If everyone minded their own business,” said the Duchess, in hoarse growl, “the world would go round a deal faster than it does.”

aquarius

january 20 - february 18

“What sort of things do you remember best?” Alice ventured to ask.
“Oh, things that happened the week after next.”
----------
So Alice had got so much into the way of expecting nothing but out-of-the-way things to happen that it seemed quite dull and stupid for life to go on in the common way…

pisces

february 19 - march 20

Eager eye and willing ear
Lovingly shall nestle near.
In a Wonderland they lie,
Dreaming as the days go by,
Dreaming as the summers die:

Ever drifting down the stream
Lingering in the golden gleam-
Life, what is it but a dream?

_____________________________

*Our Wonderland’s all-stars
(the astrological connections here are pretty amazing, just sayin’)
Tim Burton (Director), Virgo
Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter), Gemini
Helena Bohnam Carter (The Red Queen), Gemini
Mia Wasikowska (Alice Kingsley), Libra
Anne Hathaway (The White Queen), Scorpio
Crispin Glover (The Knave of Hearts), Aries
Stephen Fry (The Cheshire Cat), Virgo
Alan Rickman (The Caterpillar), Pisces
Michael Sheen (The White Rabbit), Aquarius
Christopher Lee (The Jabberwock), Gemini
Danny Elfman (Music), Gemini
Richard Zanuck (Producer), Sagittarius
Linda Goodman, Aries
Lewis Carroll, Aquarius

Resources:
Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs (1968) by Linda Goodman
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and other works by Lewis Carroll
Wikipedia: Alice in Wonderland, (movie 2010)
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb)
aliceinwonderlandmovie.org fansite
Photos: Walt Disney Pictures via movies.yahoo.com

Your StarLites give you a quick glimpse into your strengths and weaknesses where food and exercise are concerned. Awareness is the key… you can make healthy choices and still honor your astro-influenced individuality. There’s no fun in fighting your foodie quirks, just understand yourself and make smarter choices.

aries

march 21 - april 19
ruled by: mars / status: I am

StarParts: head, face

StarLite:

• You can’t always fight illness with willpower… force yourself to rest more to keep energy charged.
• Hungry in a hurry isn’t a healthy combination, try to plan for meals ahead of time to mitigate crankiness!
• Make sure you have lots of bright color on your plate: spices and ethnic foods, or just put purple food coloring in your oatmeal!

taurus

april 20 - may 20
ruled by: venus / status: I have

StarParts: neck, throat

StarLite:

• Stick to your dogma of not being rushed and chewing slowing, they can wait.
• Explore the vast world of non-starchy vegetables, err on the green side!
• Unplug your iPod and buy a Wii or Guitar Hero to get off the sofa. Or better yet, join a community garden and grow non-starchy vegetables.
• Take the time to enjoy your practical hobbies... work is not officially a relaxation.

gemini

may 21 to june 20
ruled by: mercury / status: I think

StarParts: hands, arms, shoulders, lungs

StarLite:

• Monitor caloric intake by watching portions… all those quick meals add up!
• Make sure you’re as physically active as you are mentally; use a personal trainer (your alter-ego doesn’t count).
• Respect the “no snacking while spinning” rules at the gym.
• Increase your intake of Vitamin B complex to sustain nervous system and maintain energy.

cancer

june 21 - july 22
ruled by: the moon / status: I feel

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite:

• Go out to eat more often, you’ll be forced to eat portions.
• Add a gym extension to the kitchen and set your timer!
• Use demitasse spoons to taste test while cooking.
• Find hobbies that don’t revolve around food, I know it’s hard, but you can do it!

leo

july 23 -august 22
ruled by: the sun / status: I will

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite:

• Monitor your intake and portions of sauces, casseroles, and ice cream!
• Yes, we know you're not inclined to veggies, but force yourself to eat more colors!
• Get a personal trainer and wear Prada to the gym!

virgo

august 23 - september 22
ruled by: mercury / status: I analyze  

StarParts: intestines, colon

StarLite:

• Not too many indulgence issues here… just try to control portions of grains and starches, try eating outside of the granola box for fun!
• Lighten up on the personal perfection trip; stress will melt and life will relax.
• Embrace your nature walks by sharing them with friends, they would love to have more of your company!

libra

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus / status: I balance 

StarParts: kidneys, adrenal glands, lower back 

StarLite:

• Are you eating out too much?  Focus on fresh veggies and salads while at home.
• Join a walking group or find a cardio-buddy at the gym.
• Find healthy ways to cope with the stress from being alone (and that doesn’t mean making plans to go out with someone).
• Keep your spaces in serene harmony and pamper yourself regularly at the spa or golf course!

scorpio

october 23 - november 21
ruled by: mars / status: I create 

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite:

• Pay close attention to what you eat; your all or nothing approach can backfire!
• Fussy eating habits cause stress, find your grey area and embrace it.
• Total emersion physical exercise is great for you… focus your passion and commitment on your health.

sagittarius

november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter / status: I understand

StarParts: hips, thighs, liver

StarLite:

• Overindulgence you say! Excess sugar and fat are bad for the liver!
• Try to curb the nibbling habit – taste... but don’t eat all those carbs.
• Your innate positive outlook helps to quickly overcome illness, use it to your advantage.
• Satisfy your urge to travel, walk 2 miles a day!

capricorn

december 22 - january 19
ruled by: saturn / status: I use

StarParts: joints, knees, bones

StarLite:

• Monitor the starchy comfort food you love so much, it won’t help a gloomy mood.
• Choose more seafood restaurants by a busy harbors for light meals, it will help with a new look on life.
• The need for calcium is a no brainier for you… make sure vitamin D and magnesium are the side dishes.
• Structural and physical exercise is the prescription for those bones and joints, climb to the top of the gym!

aquarius

january 20 - february 18
ruled by: uranus / status: I know

StarParts: ankles, circulation

StarLite:

• Try harder to eat on a schedule and watch salt intake (invent a sodium level monitoring watch)!
• You can’t save the world if you don’t stay fit… exercise!
• Keep your hunger tantrums in check, your friends are immune to them!
• Make sure your weird food combinations include lots of vitamins and magnesium.

pisces

february 19 - march 20
ruled by: neptune / status: I believe

StarParts: feet, hormonal system, immune system

StarLite:

• Flip on the caution light with your intake volume on everything from bread to champagne; food does not replace love!
• Turn up your iPod while dining; creating a satisfying atmosphere will help curb caloric self-indulgence!
• Dreamers need a consistent regime of holistic fitness to care for body and soul, embrace some structure.

The very idea of a calendar month is a relatively recent concept, as months were originally measured by the period between lunations, the word "month" comes from "moon". A cultural revolution took place in the Classical Period, which saw the development of the solar year of 12 months, based on the seasons and connected with the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

This popular idiom should probably read “once in a blue moon on New Year’s Eve” since that occurrence is much more rare than two full moons in any given month, which happens about every 2.5 years. There is a lot of math involved and variables such as time zones… and great legends, histories, and stories, which we encourage you to Google.

But what’s in it for you?!
Well, whether it’s blue, green or hot pink, the moon affects us all with the general ebb and flow it causes in our physical and astrological worlds. For you personally, it will depend on how this particular full moon is positioned in your chart. It could be a wild ride or an ordinary day. Either way we suggest you use this rare phenomenon to slow down, reflect, and spend some quality time thinking about your 2010.

Find a great spot to gaze upon the Blue Moon, put on your imaginary Janus* mask, think about what you’re grateful for in 2009 and let your imagination go with dreams of what you’d like your life to look like in 2010. Take a notepad and jot your thoughts down. On Monday, post it on your fridge or computer and don’t lose sight of them!

Happy New Year all-stars!
Chef Cosmo and paSous

Some interesting history…
*Janus, the Roman god of gates, doors, and beginnings. January was named after Janus, who had two faces – one looking forward and the other looking backward.

Ancient New Years
The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It is believed to have been first observed in March in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance. The Romans continued to observe the New Year in March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.

In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the New Year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar.

Middle Ages: January 1st Abolished
In medieval Europe, however, the celebrations accompanying the new year were considered pagan and unchristian like, and in 567 AD the Council of Tours abolished January 1 as the beginning of the year.

Gregorian Calendar: January 1st Restored
In 1582, the Gregorian calendar reform restored January 1 as New Year’s Day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire, and their American colonies, still celebrated the New Year in March.

Sources: Wikipedia.com, Wilstar.com, InfoPlease.com, LunarLiving.org, and CNN.com

aries

I didn't see that comin'!

march 21 - april 19
ruled by: mars
status: I am
quickfire: Ok, we all know that you're the true bull... (ssshhhhh, don't tell Taurus!). You're headstrong, pushy, and need to be first... no body sees you comin! You love to cram in lots of experiences and passionately keep moving forward. You're eating birthrights are no exception... furious hunger, fast food, no fuss. You work hard and play harder and magnetically compete with everyone. You're first in the Zodiac for a reason... the rest of us depend on you!

taurus

Hear's a tune you'll soon be humming!

april 20 - may 20
ruled by: venus
status: I have
quickfire: You are a musical being who loves potatoes. Yes, even though you tend to be a mass of contradicitons, it's that simple. You love beauty, converastion, and fine things. These traits transfer nicely to your foodie birthrights.... good service, good food, good value. You equally embrace traditional or exotic cooking and you don't like to repeat your recipies. Of course, you're so stubborn, your best bet is to host the dinner party so your guests can't disagree with you! The bonus is... you're GREAT COOKS! Of course, Chef Cosmo is a Taurus!

gemini

Two by two you travel through life!

may 21 to june 20
ruled by: mercury
status: I think
quickfire: Whoa! You're probably reading this on your iPhone 3GS en route to your next 'to do'... stop for just a minute and breathe. I promise your world won't disolve like a warp in the Matrix. You are constantly on the go, multi-tasking with moody flair. By all foodie birthrights, your favorite foods can be eaten while walking, blogging, or debating. Your liberal nature and quick mind makes you a sought after companion for all entertaining activities. Learn to graze, you'll love the scenery.

cancer

Your shell is not all it's cracked up to be, break out!

june 21 - july 22
ruled by: the moon
status: I feel
quickfire: Our crab-people LOVE their shells and rely on their whole astro-chart to crack them open. The rest of us couldn't survive without these home-loving, sensitive, nurturing, possessive, domestic crustaceons. You are at your best when you are comforting others with food. You derail everyones diets with love. Your friends will have to drag you out to restaurants, but once there, you are the lifeline of the party and grateful that they made the effort (as long as no one hurts your feelings!)

leo

Got a band? I'll lead it!

july 23 -august 22
ruled by: the sun
status: I will
quickfire: Mangiare is not just the Italian verb for 'to eat'. Mangia! is the passionate cry that sounds the beginning of every Italian meal with outstretched arms and huge smiles. A Leo must have started this tradition. You are a community cat, magnetic and generous... especially when you have an audience. You love the best of everything and your foodie birthright is no exception. Bask in the warmth of hosting great meals, you're always a crowd pleaser!

virgo

There IS a big picture, find it!

august 23 - september 22
ruled by: mercury
status: I analyze
quickfire: Recipe dissection is a favorite pastime for our analytical Virgoans. You are likely to be a vegetarian or have acute tendencies toward certain food philosophies. Your foodie birthright is a nourishing diet of nuts, grains, beans, seeds and plain yogurt... boring! It's okay, someone has to keep us healthy! Avoid noisy crowds, they cause stress and disturb your perfectionist eating rituals. You are benevolent to a fault... tweeting your generous spirit helps our world evolve.

libra

Everything really is beautiful!

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus
status: I balance
quickfire: Libra's proverbial passionate soul makes them the ultimate dream foodie. You love to orchestrate events and create experiences. You require lots of texture in your foods, friends, and environments. Your need to constantly engage your senses motivates you to experience many cultural and exotic foods and just as many variations of people. Learn to reign in your inner control freak and the world will truly see through your rose-colored glasses.

scorpio

News flash...we know who you are!

october 23 - november 21
ruled by: mars
status: I create
quickfire: Scorpio is the only Sun Sign that can make sleazy the new fine dining experience. You love dark, secluded, mysterious places where you can be incognito and embrace your wild side. Your intense extremes motivate you toward harsh diets. Give yourself a break and create more of your favorite foodie experiences, which will include spicy reds, rich seafoods, and lots of proteins... oh, and cocktails. You keep us on our toes and enrich our spheres.

sagittarius

See the world... must have tickets!

november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter
status: I understand
quickfire: Encarta defines abundance as a fullness of spirit that overflows. That is you, Sag, in loads. Your free spirit craves travel and you adore foreign foods as long as you can find the locals' hangout. You love to be entertained while eating... good jokes or dinner theater, either works fine. Keep the overindulgence in check, except for those first class backyard barbecues you're famous for.

capricorn

Climb every mountain... hurdle every ladder!

december 22 - january 19
ruled by: saturn
status: I use
quickfire: Who says you can't mix business with pleasure? You are a networking, connecting, climbing, dogmatic, misunderstood overachiever! In order to sustain this momentum you need hearty traditional sustenance. You are uncomfortable with self-indulgence and whims... so ask your friends to calendar reminders to poke you to do something to treat yourself. A great meal is the perfect reward for all of your hard work!

aquarius

Continue inventing our future!

january 20 - february 18
ruled by: uranus
status: I know
quickfire: You are living in a time zone ahead of the rest of us happily surrounded by a fray of eclectic friends and family dysfunction. You are innovative, smart, rebelious, and talkative. You will try anything and hate breakfast (for breakfast). Your foodie birthrights feed this stream with lots of weird food, strangely connected dinner guests, and a pda full of great friends who adore hanging out with you.

pisces

Dream a little dream for me!

february 19 - march 20
ruled by: neptune
status: I believe
quickfire: Pisces is the compassionate psychic blend of all the Sun Signs. You believe in everyone and everything, which makes you a sensitive, caring friend. People love to share meals with you, there's always great music, warm aesthetics, and lots of bubbles. If you could have dinner and a massage at the same time, you'd totally do it!

Each generation adds their flair… the addition of white wine came in a few years back and what starts out as a lighter, brothy soup the first day, usually ends up a thick, creamy version after the leftover gravy is added the second day. Sometimes there is no turkey meat leftover and rustic handmade pasta noodles are added. Sometimes a little of the turkey stock is held out for a simple and perfect Tortellini en Brodo. Sometimes the left over bread or stuffing is added for an American take on Ribolita, a thick Tuscan bread soup drizzled with olive oil!

The point is… make it your own and you can’t go wrong!

Mangia bella!
Chef Cosmo & paSous

Turkey Soup Thanks!
A rustic and hearty turkey soup made from the Thanksgiving turkey stock, fresh veggies, left over side dishes, and gratitude!

Serves: depends on how much control you have and if you’re serving anything with it!

1 med white onion, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped (include some top leaves)
5 small carrots, chopped
4 med zucchini, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
8 cups fresh turkey stock from the Thanksgiving Day bird
2-3 cups bite-sized chopped turkey pieces, white and dark, whatever is left over
Left over side dishes of your choice (see below): veggies, stuffing, gravy, etc.
1/2 C white wine, whatever you’d like to drink with this bowl of love, we’d recommend a creamy Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
1 Bay leaf
1/2 t sage, dried leaves (fresh, use 1-2 T leaves, chopped)
1 T thyme, fresh chopped
1/4 t red chili pepper, powder or flakes
sea or gray salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

• put chopped fresh veggies, garlic and oil in a cool pan, heat up together and caramelize for 5-8 minutes until golden, but still firm
• add veggies to stock, wine, and seasonings and bring to a boil
• turn heat down to simmer for 10-15 minutes
• add turkey meat and left over sides when soup is finished and heat is turned off
• season with salt and pepper to taste
• best if warmed up and eaten the next day… if you can wait that long!

Extras: If you have veggie leftovers from the big dinner and want to throw them in, do it… green beans, corn, spinach, broccoli, and even sweet potatoes, stuffing or gravy. Make it your own delicious memory of a great day! Keep in mind the leftovers are already well cooked so add them in at the end. You can also add pasta, rice or legumes… just adjust your stock up to accommodate the carbohydrate cooking.

Don’t forget your local service organizations that help people less fortunate than you. You can volunteer your time or donate food… click here to donate to the Napa Valley Food Bank. They will use the money for food cards that will be exchanged for turkeys.

Look for your local Troop Support organizations… there are lots of soldiers out there that don’t have close family connections and are very alone in foreign places under dire circumstances serving their country. It's easy to buy a few extra toiletries and food items when we're shopping for ourselves.
Here’s a good one: Operation With Love From Home

And lastly, please remember to LAUGH, LOVE, SHARE, OPEN UP, AND LIVE!

A brief Thanksgiving history courtesy of Wikipedia:

Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday.

The date and location of the first Thanksgiving celebration is a topic of modest contention. The traditional "first Thanksgiving" is the celebration that occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621. The Plymouth celebration occurred early in the history of what would become one of the original thirteen colonies that became the United States.

The celebration became an important part of the American myth by the 1800s. This Thanksgiving, modeled after celebrations that were commonplace in contemporary Europe, is generally regarded as America's first. Elementary school teacher Robyn Gioia has argued that the earliest attested "thanksgiving" celebration in what is now the United States was celebrated by the Spanish on September 8, 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida.

Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Thanksgiving dinner is held on this day, usually as a gathering of family members and friends.

In 1866 he became the head chef of the Café Anglais which was the most famous Paris restaurant of the 19th century and where he is believed to have created the dish Pommes Anna. This looks like a quintessential Gemini dish of meticulous simplicity and duality. Richly creamy and crispy... potato perfection... the mother of all potato chips, which are an eat-on-the-go Gemini favorite. Who says Aquarians have to invent everything!

Chef Cosmo and I are in Bordeaux right now and I'm happy to report that it's not June and we can have all the foie gras we want! Enjoy this tale of gastronomical courses layered with intrigue, international politics, and a milestone in the French wine trade.

Four days after Chef Dugléré's 62nd birthday... the evening of 7 June, 1867 is reputed to have been the most magnificent ever to have occurred in any restaurant in the world. The mahogany and walnut paneling of the Grand Seize, a chambre separée (private room) in La Tour d'Argent where the greatest celebrities of the world dined, gleamed in the candle-light reflected in huge gilt mirrors. Plush red velvet seats and canopies greeted the illustrious guests.

Dugléré served a famous meal that became known as the Dîner des trois empereurs, ('Dinner of the Three Emperors') for Tsar Alexander II of Russia, his son, and King William I of Prussia, as well as Prince Otto von Bismarck who were in Paris for L'Exposition Universelle.

The three emperors and Prince Bismarck had requested of Dugléré a meal that would live in their memories and the maître de cave, Claudius Burdel, was instructed to accompany the dishes with the greatest wines in the world.

During the eight hours that this dinner of the century was served, chamber music played and cigars were smoked between courses. (Dugléré would not permit smoking while any guest was eating.) The big blow to the occasion occurred at one in the morning when Tsar Alexander II complained that he had not had any foie gras. A quick-witted Burdel responded with, "Sire, it is not the custom, in French gastronomy, to serve foie gras in the month of June." Alexander II is said to have been satisfied with this explanation. The following October, the three emperors received a gift of a terrine of foie gras specially prepared for them by the restaurant. This terrine became known as Foie Gras des Trois Empereurs.

Thanks to Wikipedia for doing the research for us! We're going shopping tomorrow for a special double baking dish made of copper called la cocotte à pommes Anna.

Salut,
paSous

The how, what, when, and why we all compose each meal is heavily influenced by our astrological Sun Signs and birth charts. A big component is also who we eat with (if given the choice). This research process elevates the entertainment of people watching to a whole new level! It also brings back fond memories of growing up with a gypsy spirited, astrology-nourishing Mom.

I've been eating pesto since I was a little kid. My older brother and I used to shriek “goodie goodies” with the announcement of "green spaghetti" for dinner! Mom had discovered a little can of pesto Genovese on a shelf with other unfamiliar items at a tiny neighborhood Italian deli. Back when authentic delis were not the cool places to be seen with fancy espresso cups in hand. Back when pasta was still spaghetti and mac and cheese. Green spaghetti was like bringing Star Trek onto your TV tray! Thanks Mom!

ARIES
Cowboy Spaghetti and a peppery Merlot
- hearty, smoky, outside the pasta-box, easy, fast
Thanks Rachel Ray!

TAURUS
Beefy Mac & Cheese with a full bodied Pinot Noir
- thick and homey, of course you’ll want to add garlic toast!
(You don't need a recipe suggestion; you’d just change it anyway.)

GEMINI
Rigatoni half and half: Marinara and Mizithra and a buttery Chardonnay
- the perfect side-by-side of sweet tomato bliss and salty-tart cheesy heaven!
Inspired by The Manager’s Favorite at The Old Spaghetti Factory

CANCER
Ricotta gnocchi with fennel & sausage and a lighty fruity Rosé
- rich, cozy comfort food with flair…
Thank you Mario Batali!

LEO
The Ultimate Lasagne with a robust Chianti Classico Riserva
- saucy, cheesy, hot and bold
Thanks Tyler Florence!

VIRGO
Whole Wheat Spaghetti Carbonara with a crisp non-oak Chardonnay
- yummy, healthy and it makes total sense!
Thank you @FareToRemember!

LIBRA
Fusilli alla Puttanesca Rustica paired with a spicy Zinfandel
- choices and textures… a party in a bowl!
Here’s an amazing sauce recipe from Michael Chiarello…

SCORPIO
Kick-ass San Marzano Marinara, Parmigiano and Pepperoncini with a rich and powerful Châteauneuf du Pape
- dark and mysterious with a zesty twist!
Merci beaucoup @MrGnocchi!

SAGITTARIUS
Pappardelle with Boar Ragu with a Super Tuscan Cabernet
- exotic and abundant; perfect for spirited gatherings
Thanks again Mario Batali, you know how to do this one with valor!

CAPRICORN
Turkey Tetrazzini and a dark-fruit Syrah
- traditional and fundamental; yet perfect self-indulgence!
Emeril Lagasse kicks it up a notch…

AQUARIUS
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe, Clams and Sweet Italian Sausage and a bright Sauvignon Blanc
- inventive and eclectic, but hits all the right notes!
Tyler Florence blends this recipe with soul…

PISCES
Pumpkin-Peanut Curry Noodles with Five-Spice Seared Scallops and Shrimp paired with a fantastic Viognier
- romantic and cheerful; a great meal to share!
Thanks Rachel Ray!

Mangia!
Happy Pasta-licious Month!
Chef Cosmo and paSous