Seeing Red on Valentine's Day

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

12 Feb 2008 01:22 PM

If you are not expecting to be treated to a five-course gourmet meal on Valentine's Day--join the club. There are many families (mine included) that will be dining at home Thursday night. However, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate Love Day with a festive meal.

I'm not talking about an extravagant, expensive dinner featuring steak and lobster (though, that would be nice... it would be even nicer if you weren't the one having to prepare it). Nor am I suggesting you bypass the main dish and head straight for a delectable Valentine's Day dessert. Rather, I'm merely suggesting that you get into the spirit of the holiday with simple and affordable dishes that the whole family will enjoy digging into.

The following easy to prepare pasta dishes feature that quintessential Valentine's Day hue--red. (Thanks of course to the tomatoes.) And while you might be underwhelmed by its appearance, the taste certainly makes up for it. Bottom line: if you are looking for a healthy, delicious and simple dish to make this Valentine's Day these recipes will come in very handy. After all, pasta is a pantry staple that can easily be thrown together with a few ingredients. Simplicity is key when it comes to great pasta dishes--you really only need a few ingredients to make a superb dish. The key is having quality ingredients. Obviously, you want a good quality pasta (whole-grain pasta is an excellent choice--many brands have at least three times more fiber than regular pasta and some have omega-3 and higher protein contents). In addition, I think every good pasta dish should feature quality olive. In my opinion it makes the difference between a dish that's just OK and incredibly delicious!

Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

PENNE PASTA WITH TOMATOES AND EGGPLANT

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 long eggplant, sliced

6 to 8 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1 package (12 ounces) penne pasta

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a medium skillet, heat oil; add garlic, eggplant and tomatoes. Cook until eggplant is tender.

Stir in basil; pour over pasta and toss well.

Top with Parmesan cheese.

Serves 6.

ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATOES

Ingredients:

5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cups (about 1 pound) diced tomatoes, chopped

2/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves

Salt to taste

Fresh ground pepper to taste

8 ounces angel hair pasta (capellini)

Directions:

In large skillet, combine garlic and 3 tablespoons oil. Cook on medium heat until garlic is lightly and evenly browned.

Add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper; cook until tomatoes are hot.

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions; drain.

Toss pasta with remaining olive oil. Combine with tomato mixture.

Serves 4.

Related Articles:

Is Pasta Really Healthy?

Making Fresh Pasta

National Pasta Month: Answers to the Noodle Quiz & Topping Your Noodles

Decadent Valentine's Day Bar Cookies

Mint Chocolate Treats for Valentine's Day

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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