The care and feeding of a sick Bettie

Boil a pot of water. Add salt and olive oil and pasta of your choice. (Note: choose fusilli.) Cook according to package instructions. Drain. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Using garlic press, add about half a head of fresh garlic. Then add a few more cloves. Don't worry, no one is going on the prowl tonight. Serve immediately.

While this is happening, win bonus points by cutting the top off another head of garlic, drizzling with olive oil, and wrapping in tin foil. Roast in 400° oven for about half an hour. Take large slice sourdough bread, spread with butter (optional, but trust me - use the butter), and squeeze out roasted garlic over top. Pop into oven to melt butter and crisp bread.

Betties need love, too, so be sure to kiss her temples and refill her water glass. She takes lots of ice.