{Romance Recipes}

Happy Valentine's Day!

I just thought, I'd dig up two simple recipes, that are easy enough to whip up, but just as romantic...just in case!!

Cheers!!

Ingredients

1 pound linguini
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 shallots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
Directions
For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini. Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Patron Silver tequila 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier 1/4 oz. cherry or Chambord raspberry liquor 2 oz. chilled peach juice 3 maraschino cherries, garnish Orange spiral, garnish
Preparation:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add tequila (or Absolut Apeach), Grand Marnier, cherry liquor and peach juice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and pour into a chilled fluted glass or large martini glass.
Place orange spiral on the lip of the glass so it drapes down the side.
For a fluted glass: drop a cherry into drink.
For a martini glass: skewer three cherries on a swizzle stick and lay across the lip.