Lazy Dinner at Cafe Drake

Sometimes all we want to do is eat and watch movies. Well, and sip cocktails too. Luckily Jen L. shares our occassional pasttime and recently joined us for the most casual of evenings: a DVD followed by a chat at the kitchen table while we snacked on Cilantro-Mint Dip with wholegrain crackers and leisurely whipped up (an almost one-pot) main course of Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Cabbage. Both quick and carefree receipes are below.

CILANTRO-MINT DIP

Good with crackers, toast points or veggies for dipping. Also nice on baked potatoes or as a cooling condiment served alongside a spicy dinner menu.

1/2 cup yogurt / 1/2 cup sour cream / 2/3 cup packed down mint leaves / 1/2 scallion, chopped / 2-3 small green chiles / 1 bunch chopped cilantro

Blend all in the blender, seasoning to taste with kosher salt and black pepper.

WHOLE WHEAT SPAGHETTI WITH SAUSAGE AND CABBAGE

So easy. Here's how: while salted water is on the stove being brought to a rolling boil, remove 1 lb. of Italian sausage from casings and fry quickly in a bit of olive oil. Add 1 sliced onion, about a T. of thyme, 2 dried red chiles and 1 entire head of cabbage, chopped. Add water as needed and cover and cook till cabbage is very tender. Meanwhile boil 12 oz. of spaghetti till al dente, drain then toss with sausage and cabbage. Serve very hot topped with Parmesan cheese.