What is REAL love?

My hubby and I celebrated Vday a little early with a delicious dinner at our cozy home.

Of course I still got sassed up and curled my hair (which I never do). When planning my menu I wanted something sexy, simple, tasty, and pretty.  I'm talking about my menu, not me but thank you! 

Blood Orange Gin Fizz

Chilled Garlic Shrimp

Spinach salad with frizzled pancetta 

Linguini with fresh tomatoes, toasty breadcrumbs, fresh basil

Lemon Scorpini

Vino ALWAYS

I want to share with you the delish pasta dish that can be made for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal! I am proud to admit that I haven't quite perfected it yet but I am damn close!! Cooking is like a sport for me! I will practice until I get a hole in one!! Keep in mind that the following recipe is not set in stone! Add your own faves to it!! Sun dried tomatoes, olives, artichokes…I'm thinking capers next time!

Ingredients:

1 box Linguini

1/2 cup panko or homemade bread crumbs

1/4 cup Parmesan

1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

1 pound cherry toms

8 cloves garlic

1/4 cup EVOO

2 tsp sugar

1 tbsp kosher salt

Fresh basil

After rinsing and drying your toms place them in a broil proof baking dish (trying to keep them in one layer). Add garlic then drizzle with EVOO, and sprinkle with sugar! Mix with your hands or a spoon if you are afraid to get dirty:) Oh yeah, and I forgot to tell you to preheat your oven at 450…Anywho, after your toms are coated with good stuff mix your breadcrumbs with salt and dried Italian seasoning. Dust the toms with the breadcrumbs then get your hands dirty again! Time to pop these babies in the oven so they can make your kitchen smell like Italy! They are going to bake for about 15 minutes so we better get our water boiling for the pasta! Always salt your water to give it flavor! Once the water is rolling dunk those noodles in and cook away! Check on your toms…watch out for the beautiful waft of toms and garlic when you open the oven!! They should be having a party in there...splitting and browning. If this is happening put them under the broiler for another 5 or so minutes! Keep your eye on them!! Drain your pasta and put it back in the pot with a drizzle of EVOO! Add your homemade roasted sauce to the noodles, place a nest of pasta on each plate, add a couple leaves of basil (I like to rip mine for its rustic appeal) shower the dish with parm and fall in love.

Fall in love with the man across from you.

 Fall in love with the comfort of your home. 

Fall in love with the flavors exploring your mouth.

Fall in love with simplicity.

Fall in love with yourself.

LOVE

xoxo

LLL (live laugh love)... in case you weren't sure

EmME