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!
Kim buechler says
01/05/2015 at 8:10 pmMy favorite Italian dinner would be chicken picatta, with a wonderful Brunello served outdoors under the stars and candlelight!
Susan says
01/07/2015 at 12:00 pmCongrats Kim! The random number generator picked your post!
Marge trammel says
01/05/2015 at 6:15 pm
Marge trammel says
01/05/2015 at 6:14 pmItalian 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.
Deborah says
01/03/2015 at 8:22 amI love baked ziti, thanks for the giveaway!
Nancy Loring says
01/02/2015 at 9:47 pmMy 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.
Susan says
01/04/2015 at 9:05 amAhhh, Tiramasu!!!
Ashley says
01/02/2015 at 2:54 pmI LOVE Fettucini Alfredo! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Felicia says
12/30/2014 at 4:35 pmI 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. 🙂
Susan says
12/31/2014 at 6:13 pmThat was always my birthday dinner request of my mom too!
Debra@AModernTranslation says
12/30/2014 at 4:24 pmThat 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.
Debra@AModernTranslation says
12/30/2014 at 4:28 pmMy 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. 🙂
Susan says
12/31/2014 at 6:14 pmMaybe a little “lady and the tramp” spaghetti for the pups so they leave you alone!
Susan says
12/31/2014 at 6:14 pmI’m all about staying in until late spring – brrrr.
tammigirl says
12/30/2014 at 3:27 pmI love to serve lasagna to a crowd! I would invite as many as I can feed and enjoy every person around the table.
Susan says
12/31/2014 at 6:15 pmHow big of a table do you have! 🙂
Susan Maccarelli says
12/30/2014 at 11:23 amSo 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!
Margaret says
12/29/2014 at 1:58 pmI love baked ziti! Would be fun to serve on a snow day with lots of candles!
Susan says
12/31/2014 at 6:15 pmCandles not only make your complexion amazing, they make food taste better too!