once in a while when you've had an unusually long or hard day you need one of those meals that come together quickly and easily, and provide pure and simple comfort while smoothing out all the rough edges. i have to admit, i may have a slight addiction to spaghetti (who doesn't) and try to limit my consumption as much as i can-so, when i have one of those days that make you feel like you're allowed to reward yourself, this dish is my reward (over, say, chocolate cake or ice cream). it combines spaghetti with lemons, a fruit (yes, fruit!) i can't live without. nothing like fresh citrus to brighten up your dish, or your day for that matter. the hardest thing about restricting yourself from eating this treat is that you will likely have the ingredients available most of the time-and it will take you all of 20 minutes (or so) from start to deliciously satisfying finish to prepare. for me this recipe is quite fluid and changes with my moods-sometimes i add a lot of red pepper flakes, and other times i choose to add parsley over basil. either way, the constants are extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice and zest. a touch of freshly grated parmesan cheese goes a long way to round out all the flavors.  go ahead, try to resist the urge. or maybe, live a little, and treat yourself! it really is worth the calories. hungry yet??

for 4 servings:

• 1 package spaghetti, cooked al dente per package instructions

• 2-3 tbs good quality extra virgin olive oil

• 1 lemon (juice and zest)*

• sea salt & freshly ground pepper (to taste)

• freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (spicy)

• 1-2 tbs chopped fresh oregano, flat leaf parsley, or basil (or any combination of)

while the spaghetti is cooking, zest the lemon and add the zest to the serving bowl with the lemon juice (*adjust the amount to your taste-maybe start with 1/2  of the juice, taste, add more if necessary), olive oil, salt & pepper, red pepper flakes, and herbs. drain the cooked spaghetti and add it quickly to the bowl and toss well. sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. serve right away. simply yummy comfort. ahhhhhh!