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}
