Valentino was, according to legend, a Christian priest who was consigned to a Roman noble by the Emperor Claudius. He cured the noble's daughter's blindness, at which point the family converted and Claudius had them all executed. Valentino first, and on the eve of his execution he wrote the girl a letter, signing it "from your Valentine." After his death a pink almond tree, symbol of abiding love, blossomed near his grave. A beautiful testament for the most romantic of days.
Pasta al Cartoccio
© Kyle Phillips Licensed to About.Com
Spaghetti al Cartoccio is pasta cooked, wrapped up in a packet with other ingredients, and baked, and though the technique might strike you as odd, it's one of the most romantic dishes going: The packets are opened at table, and first, there's the anticipation of not knowing exactly what went into them, then there are the aromas freed as the paper is torn, and finally, there's the discovery of the delights within.
Sedanini Rigati with a Brandied Turkey Sauce
Cream, brandy, turffles... Oh yes, and turkey too, all over pasta. A beutiful combination to set the stage.Farfalle with Smoked Salmon and Walnuts
Pasta with smoked salmon is one of the standard romantic occasion entrees in Italy, in part because it's easy to do and difficult to get wrong. But just the salmon isn't as interesting as it might be -- the addition of walnuts perks it up, and walnuts can stimulate more than the taste buds...Risotto alla Fonduta
Risotto with Champagne is an obvious choice for Valentine's day. But not the only one, and perhaps the creaminess of this cheesy risotto is even more libidinous.Scallop Shells au Gratin, or Conchiglia di Capesanta Gratinata
Scallop shells make me think of Marylin Monroe in Some Like It Hot: Fun, in short. But they become quite romantic when lobster and salmon enter the picture...Scampi alla Piastra, and Scampi alla Busara
Shrimp have a wonderful reputation for helping to set the stage, as it were. Here are a couple of recipes, one for scampi in a tomato sauce (alla Busara), and the other for the classic scampi alla piastra, grilled shrimp, which are also known as shrimp scampi in the English speaking world.Pollo al Mango, Chicken Mango
Valentine's Day is a moment for exotic doings, and this does fit the bill, especially in Italy, where mangos are still an imported luxury. To serve 2.Apples and Pears in a Spicy Cream - Mele e Pere con Crema Speziata
A tasty, romantic dish that will be a fine way to finish a Valentine's Day meal (Or other similar occasion).Mascarpone Cream with Raspberries -- Crema di Mascarpone ai Lamponi
Looking for something quick and sweet for Valentine's Day? Here's a tasty, rather racy suggestion to serve 2.And What to Drink?
Wine, of course, and in my experience romantic occasions call for Bubbly. The best Italian sparkling wines are from Franciacorta, and will work very well with any of the above ideas. As will the Prosecchi also listed here.Again, Tanti Auguri!
