Did any of you do the retro-blogging-postcard-swap that Cadry organized? I loved that idea and signed up right away. Well, guess what? I got a package from Cadry herself! Lucky me! She sent me a lovely package of locally-made artisan pasta, a very touching card, and *a super awesome little ceramic bowl that she made!* So lovely!
Back in the early days of our relationship, Mr. VE&T and I ate a TON of pasta. I'm sure we had pasta at least three times a week. But, at some point we both started watching our weight and counting calories, and now we don't eat nearly as much pasta. We don't love it any less, though! So, this pasta from Cadry was a super awesome surprise, and just the right amount for two good servings.
back row: Mr VE&T's dinner
front row: my dinner
everyone is happy
One result of eating pasta less often is that we have different fantasy pasta dishes. Mr. VE&T is all about the red sauce. Meanwhile, I like red sauce, but my heart lies firmly in the Pasta Aglio-Olio camp. Man, I love that stuff. So, last night I decided to make a fun His & Hers Pasta Dinner - where we each got our favorite thing. I used some of our fresh tomatoes and cooked up a light tomato sauce for Mr VE&T ~ with tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano & thyme, fresh basil and a touch of olive oil and salt. Mine was just classic: olive oil, garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and fresh parsley. That pasta was SO GOOD. I loved the big wide ribbons, and the texture was perfect! I can be a bit of a pasta snob, so that's no faint praise!
In keeping with the theme of the evening, We also had His and Hers Broccoli ~ Mr VE&T got all the stems (his favorite part), while my plate focused on the florets (my favorite part). We also had a Tofurkey Spinach Pesto Sausage on the side. Have you tried that flavor? They are really good, and went great with this meal!
Usually I can't be bothered to make two dishes for dinner, and one of just settles for having something that isn't our top choice. This seemed like an easy enough way to make both of us super happy... and it was!
I saw Cadry's post card exchange, loved the idea but unfortunately did not partake. So cool you matched up with Cadry though!
ReplyDeleteLove having his & hers pasta night...that's the same in our household. I make whole wheat penne for him and zucchini noodles for me...and then we do the same topping- either "meat" sauce or some fun vegan meatballs or pesto!
My guy is all meat and potatoes, and neither of us can agree on veggies that we both like, so when we cook together we usually opt for his and hers :)
ReplyDeleteI love this his and hers meal. You two are the cutest couple!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mia, you are the cutest!
ReplyDeleteThat pasta looks beautiful, such pretty ribbons. I can tell be looking at it that it is a cut above the regular stuff. Yum.
Mmmm they both sound brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute and a perfect way to both have a great dinner! I like red sauce too, but for me pasta aglio-olio is a bit fancier. But I probably like the stems more than the florets (though I love them too!)
ReplyDeleteI'm kicking myself that I forgot to sign up to the postcard swap - so silly! That looks like a great meal, Nick and I have broccoli preferences too, I'm all about the stems and he's all about the florets!
ReplyDeleteYay!! I loved this post, and I'm so glad that you enjoyed the pasta!! I'm totally with you on the Pasta Aglio-Olio camp.
ReplyDeleteMy friend received your sweet package too! She was asking me suggestions about the best way to use sun-dried tomatoes and wasn't sure if the kind you sent needed to be rehydrated or not. Let me know, and I can pass on the info to her! :)
I love the little handmade bowl! That's a wonderful gift. My boyfriend always asks for tomato sauce with his pasta too, but sometimes I just want pesto or herbs, so maybe we should do this as well. :)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! I'm with Mr. VE&T; I like the stems!
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