Pasta Envy

I'm about to embark upon my annual 24-hour fast in the name of Yom Kippur and its blow-out-sale on penitence and redemption.

I have most certainly sinned over the course of the last year. This is a necessary Yom.

But there is only one major sin in the culinary realm that I can think off -- mad kitchen skills envy. The object of my jealousy is my pal Nick and his gift when it comes to making pasta.

Just take a look at the glorious squid ink fettuccine he made. In its raw form, it looks like a Jackson Pollack. Don't you agree?

Well, it wasn't just beautiful. It was delicious too. Here it is served up with a coconut milk-rich Thai curry...

Notice the crustaceans to ensure that this was full-fledged sin for a nice Jewish gal from "Lawn Giland."

Sin is so darn tasty!

And, with that timely confession, I'm off to have my "final meal" before the holiday begins.