Feeling over-busy? Why not serve a romantic Italian dinner at home, and skip the driving, parking, babysitting and expense of going out! I surprised my husband with an impromptu fireside dinner (in the basement, no less) on a random Thursday night.
I was inspired by a challenge from Michael Angelo’s to prepare their frozen entrees in a fun way. And fun it was! In addition to providing the dinners, they threw in some chocolates, wine charms, bottle opener, Italian game Scopa and the movie ‘Roman Holiday.’
For a change of pace, I set up the patio table in the basement in front of the fireplace and TV. A simple white tablecloth and colorful Fiestaware was all that was needed to make a cozy table. Sides were simple – garlic bread, ceasar salad and an assortment of olives. And of course, a bottle of Italian Chianti.
I served the meat lasagna and the vegetable lasagna.
It was quite good! And certainly took less time to prepare
During this busy holiday season, wouldn’t you like a nice hassle-free night in?
Buon appetito!
My favorite Italian dinner would be chicken picatta, with a wonderful Brunello served outdoors under the stars and candlelight!
Congrats Kim! The random number generator picked your post!
Italian food is one of my favorite types of foods so I would make anything with a red sauce (or gravy for you true Italians) Since I love dining al fresco on my terrazzo I would try to serve outdoors on a warm summer night with candles, wine and a little Italian music.
I love baked ziti, thanks for the giveaway!
My italian meal would start off with a slices of tomato and thick slices of mozzarella , then a cup of wedding soup, now onto the meal which would be Shrimp Scampi with garlic bread garlic bread and to finish this meal off a nice slice of tirimasu cake. I would love to have this prepared at my house, of course that would mean that I would have to hire a chef because there is no way that I could make all of this yummy food.
Ahhh, Tiramasu!!!
I LOVE Fettucini Alfredo! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I love lasagna! Every time I have some it reminds me of my mom. She always makes the best lasagna. She makes it for my birthday every year and I would never think to ask for anything else.
I would serve it to her for once. 🙂
That was always my birthday dinner request of my mom too!
That looks like so much fun and cozy. Great idea especially in the winter so you don’t have to go out in the bitter cold.
My favorite Italian entree is cheese & spinach ravioli. I would serve dinner in our family room where we normally dine but I may try and keep the pups out, you know for a grown-up dinner. 🙂
Maybe a little “lady and the tramp” spaghetti for the pups so they leave you alone!
I’m all about staying in until late spring – brrrr.
I love to serve lasagna to a crowd! I would invite as many as I can feed and enjoy every person around the table.
How big of a table do you have! 🙂
So many good ones and my husband is Italian, so we definitely enjoy Italian food. My favorite is probably penne with vodka sauce or spaghetti and meatballs. We don’t eat a ton of pasta, so we typically eat it on holidays – Christmas Eve and coming up Valentines Day!
I love baked ziti! Would be fun to serve on a snow day with lots of candles!
Candles not only make your complexion amazing, they make food taste better too!