Dear Ali, I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to write because with the holiday season rapidly approaching, I know you and I and many of your friends will be spending a lot of time together. I feel awkward reaching out like this, but I think it’s best I voice my concerns now. You see, while I love that you and so many others have discovered my versatility — really, I mean it, I loved those blondies — I’m feeling a little torn about all of the attention I’ve been receiving in recent years. OK, I’ll just say it: the truth is is that I miss sage. And I miss crisping up its leaves in a pan filled with butternut squash ravioli. And I miss being tossed with ribbons of pappardelle and toasted pine nuts. And I miss bathing with fillets of sole. There. I said it. I just wanted to remind you of, well, what I once considered my strength. I think you will understand. And I hate to impose, but if you wouldn’t mind sharing this with anyone you think might be interested, I would so appreciate it. Your friend,Brown Butter Friends, our pal BB seems so down. What can we do about this? I’m hoping this orecchiette with Brussels sprouts, walnuts and Pecorino might just boost his spirits. It’s one of my favorites right now, not only because the Brussels sprout leaves and little ears of pasta share the same shape, but also because it is irresistibly delicious and relatively easy to throw together. Peeling the sprouts is kind of a pain, but I can think of more tedious tasks (naming 20 trucks 20 times a day comes to mind) and the whole process takes no more than 10 minutes. After the sprouts are separated into leaves, the rest is simple. While the pasta is cooking, the butter can be browned, the walnuts toasted and the cheese grated. During the last minute of the pasta’s cooking time, the Brussels sprouts enter the pot, and after the pasta and sprouts are drained, everything is tossed together: pasta, sprouts, brown butter, walnuts and cheese. So easy, so delicious. I think BB will approve. PS: Brown Butter Blondies are delish. Also: Brown Butter Orzo Risotto. 5 from 5 reviews
