Spaghetti With Curly Endive & Balsamic Vinegar

1 lb Spaghetti

4 ea Garlic cloves, chopped

3 tb Olive oil

1 ea Head endive, trimmed & cut

-- into bite-sized pieces 1 tb Balsamic vinegar, or to

-- taste Salt & pepper Cook the spaghetti until it is *al dente*. Meanwhile, saute 3 garlic cloves in about 2 tb oil then quickly saute the endive in this mixture. Add the vinegar, cook for a moment, then remove from the heat. Season with salt & pepper. Drain the pasta, toss with the remaining garlic & oil, then serve each portion topped with a big spoonful of the sauted endive, adding extra vinegar if needed. VARIATIONS: Add 6 oz cooked cannellini beans when you saute the endive & season with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if desired. Instead of endive, use 2 heads of radicchio or green & red Treviso lettuce. Follow the basic recipe above.