In the final chapter of Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, the Grecos are gathered for dinner eating one of my personal favorites–clams and spaghetti. Enjoy the following short excerpt and recipe.
The magic continued throughout the delicious dinner that included homemade raviolis, chicken cacciatore, and spaghetti with clams. The laughter and the conversation blurred together into one big, gorgeous thing. Through Silvia’s hard work, the circle of fighting that went on and on in their family and the families that preceded them, had been broken. Most likely it would be temporary, as someone would inevitably remember something to be angry about. But she didn’t have the future and she didn’t have the past. She only had now and now was good.
Clams and Spaghetti
- 8ounces spaghetti (can use up to 3/4 pound of pasta if needed)
- Saltfor pasta water
- 3tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 to 4cloves garlic, minced (about 1 heaping tablespoon)
- Pinchred chili pepper flakes
- 2 (6–ounce)cans minced clams, including the liquid
- 1/2cup dry white wine
- 2tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Heat salted water for pasta and add pasta once water comes to a rapid boil
- Sauté garlic and chile flakes in olive oil over medium heat
- Add wine and clam juice from can and reduce
- Add clams and parsley
- Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce and serve
This post is from my blog series on the traditional Italian food recipes from the family drama book, “Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees.”
Grace Mattioli is the author of the Greco Family Trilogy books, including Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. These books are available from all major online book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
