Date Night: An Ina Garten Inspired Meal for Two

Ina Garten is all about romantic food, so her recipes are a great inspiration for a date night. Set a table for two with an elegant tablecloth and your inherited cloth napkins, and add a vase of flowers for that extra festive touch. If you want to do it by candlelight, make sure your holders have been polished. Gathering the Basics Before you begin cooking, go to the store for a few of the ingredients below as well as a bottle of wine and a loaf of bread, like Klosterman Baking Company rolls. Good quality butter makes a great pairing or you can dip pieces of soft or toasted bread in olive oil poured into a saucer or small bowl. Making a Memorable Meal Ina Garten's food is famous for being simple and elegant. Versatile, easy, and romantic, pasta fits her style perfectly. Any kind works in this recipe, from whole wheat to gluten free. Luxurious food additions like a cream sauce make an ordinary dinner at home special. This simple recipe for luscious Alfredo-style pasta will make your date night stand out. Ingredients You’ll Need Include: 1/2 pound spaghetti noodles (or any shape you like)rn1/2 cup heavy cream rn2 tablespoons white winern1 clove garlic, mincedrn1 tablespoons flourrn2 tablespoons butterrnsalt and pepperrnshredded parmesan cheese Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. While the pasta is working, melt the butter in a medium frying pan along with the flour, cooking until it just turns golden (not brown). Add garlic and cook a few seconds more, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the cream and wine, cooking at medium-high heat, not letting it boil, until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. When pasta is finished, drain and add to the frying pan, stirring to coat and adding some pasta water if need for the desired consistency. Adjust seasoning. Serve with parmesan cheese. Spice it Up This dish is fabulous on its own, but if your date likes spicy food, add some Cajun seasoning and cook some shrimp with the cream. Depending on the size of the shrimp, they should cook in 3-5 minutes. Be sure to take one out and test it before serving. Alternatively you could add cooked chicken at the end, with or without the Cajun spices. Pair this recipe with bread, salad, and glasses of your favorite wine or non-alcoholic drink for a great date night at home. It’s a great recipe that’s easy to make and change up depending on your mood. Add in vegetables you love like broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, or peas and be sure to set the mood for an unforgettable meal for two.