Italian Date Night

I have to admit, that I love to cook. Although I am the learning stages, I can't help but get excited every time I am in the kitchen with a bag full of fresh ingredients from the store! 

Since it is Friday and the long weekend is ahead, I decided to go back to my Northern roots and devise an Italian menu for date night. My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures and I can't wait to actually make this! Enjoy! 

{The Appetizers} 

Antipasto Kabobs

Delightfully, simple yet delicious,quick and easy!

Ingredients:

1 package of Three Cheese Tortellini (Buitoni)

1 can of Medium or Large Black pitted Olives

1 jar of Green Olives

2 (12oz.) Containers of Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Several Slices of the following:

Salami

Pepperoni

Prosciutto

Newman's Balsamic Vinaigrette (to marinate tortellini)

What you need to do:

{Feel free to use your creativity and personal taste preferences when putting these kabobs together!} 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 

Cook tortellini for about ten minutes, until soft.

Drain, and set aside to cool in a large bowl.

Once tortellini have cooled, drizzle Balsamic Vinaigrette completely covering tortellini and place in the fridge for a couple hours.

To make Kabobs:

Alternate ingredients starting with an olive, until skewer is completely covered!

{This step, is basically personal preference} 

For a simpler version, or if you are not a fan of meat you can use just mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and add a touch of basil. 

Tomato, basil, and Mozzarella skewers

Before the meal:

Caprese Salad With Balsamic Dressing

{Caprese Salad}

Ingredients:

3 vine ripe tomatoes sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 lb. of fresh water packed mozzarella sliced 1/4 inch thick

10-15 Basil Leaves (fresh from the garden would be ideal!) 

What you need to do:

Layer alternating slices of tomatoes, mozzarella adding basil leaves between each onto individual plates.

Dressing:

5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. crushed red pepper spice.

Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and drizzle over the salad!

The Main Event:

New Englander's love their seafood, so I had to get a recipe that contained one of my favorite things:

SHRIMP!

{Garlic Shrimp Linguine}

Ingredients:

1 lb. of uncooked linguine

1 tbsp. of butter

3 tbsp. of white wine 

2 tsp. of grated parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 pinch of salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. of medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined

What you need to do:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a Boil.

Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat;

add wine, cheese, garlic, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

{Imagine how good your kitchen smells}

Simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Increase heat to medium-high, adding shrimp to saucepan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp begins to turn pink.

Scoop pasta onto plates, and spoon sauce over pasta.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

POUR A GLASS OF PINOT GRIGIO and Enjoy!

Happy Date Night!

Happy Hour readers: What do you like to do on date night?

Do you like to cook or go out to a fancy restaurant?

Share your comments below!

{All photos were retrieved from Pinterest}