Fab and Frugal for Valentine's Day: Plan a Romantic Dinner for 2 at Home!
Monday, February 9, 2009 at 12:42PM
Set the Mood: It's very simple to create with items you may already have. Start by hanging white holiday lights around the room. Next, drape the table with a red and white checked tablecloth; add a cheap red jar candle. Make a playlist of crooners like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett. Push back the furniture to create a dance floor and your romantic restaurant scene is set. 
Trying to cut back on expenses right now? Me too! But that doesn't mean I want to skip important celebrations. You can plan a totally fab and frugal party at home this V-day by creating your own romantic restaurant right at home. One soooo easy theme is old-school Italian---and what's more romantic than a cheesy Italian restaurant?
Okay, I am going to confess a little secret. My best go-to Italian dish starts with frozen butternut squash ravioli from an organic grocery store like Whole Foods. Topped with burnt butter sauce, this dish will rival any restaurant favorite! Burnt butter sauce is d-i-v-i-n-e and not hard to make but you have to watch it like a hawk because it burns easily. It is not meant to be burned, just browned to a lovely caramel color. To-do: Place a stick of room temp butter into a saucepan over a low heat. It will quickly start to bubble and turn brown around the sides of the pan. Let it cook to a caramel color and add a tiny dash of olive oil--- take care not to burn! Remove from the heat and immediately pour over your cooked pasta. Finish with a dash of nutmeg and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.See picture--- don't you want to eat this right now? Need a wine suggestion? Try Ruffino's Chianti Classico Aziano--- about $12.99. Very smooth and drinkable.