Dinner for My Valentine

This Valentine's Day, I decided to keep it simple. On Christmas Eve, I planned an elaborate dinner - which was great - it just left me in the kitchen all day and tired. So, for this holiday, I decided to keep things easy and delicious. I saw this Fettucini Alfredo recipe from the blog Life's Ambrosia (http://www.lifesambrosia.com/2009/02/fettuccine-alfredo-recipe.html) on Tastespotting, and thought it was just perfect. Easy, yet decadent. A treat for both me and my husband. Served with some crusty garlic bread and a salad, this meal truly hit the spot and left us feeling spoiled. You could add some grilled chicken or shrimp to add some protein to the meal. There was also a very decadent, rich, dessert at the end, but that will have to wait until later - it was my Daring Bakers Challenge for the month and can't be posted right now. But trust me, it will be worth the wait and a wonderful addition to your baking arsenal - my husband was singing it's praises (literally).

Fettucini Alfredo
adapted from Life's Ambrosia

Ingredients

1 pound fettuccine pasta (I used Buitoni fresh pasta)
1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

Bring a pot of water to boil, liberally salt the water and add pasta. Cook about 7-9 minutes (or 2 minutes if using fresh pasta). Strain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. The pasta will be slightly underdone but it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat in a pan large enough to fit the pasta once cooked. Add the garlic and cook for about 3 minutes.
Add the pasta to the pan. Pour cream and cheese over the pasta. Toss to completely coat the pasta. Cook 2-3 (or 1-2 if using fresh pasta) minutes. Add the parsley. Reduce heat to low, let pasta stand 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Toss just before serving.

And now, I have to do just a little bragging on my hubby. Friday evening I arrived home after a double date with some good friends of ours to this:

Beautiful red roses, a cute little teddy bear, a sweet note, and some delicious chocolates. :) I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!