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That's Amore

Nothing warms the heart like a home-cooked meal

The season of romance is upon us and that can cause some stress among those love birds looking to wow their partner this Valentine’s Day. While the typical flowers and candy can come to mind, sometimes the best gift for the one you love is something homemade, that shows effort, planning, and time spent. Anyone can bring home a dozen roses or a box of chocolates, but it takes a loving and thoughtful partner to go above and beyond. If you’re looking to surprise your loved one this year with a grand gesture, there’s nothing that can compare to a romantic, homemade dinner for two. And what says ‘romantic’ more than a hearty Italian dish paired with a bold cabernet and enjoyed under candlelight. Lay down a crisp white tablecloth, bust out the good crystal and turn and otherwise cliché night into a magical memory. Try my Pasta Bolognese this Valentine’s Day to show your sweetheart some amore.

Ingredients:

2lbs Ground Beef

1lb Ground Pork

4oz finely diced Pancetta

1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced

2-3 Carrots, finely diced

2-3 ribs of Celery, finely diced

6 cloves of minced Garlic

¼ bottle of Red Wine

½ stick of Butter

½ cup Whole Milk

½ cup Regular Cream

½ can of Beef Consume

1 large can of Tomato Sauce

1 large can of Tomato Puree

1 small can of petite diced Tomatoes

1 tbs Garlic Powder

1 tbs Onion Powder

2 tsp Salt and Pepper

1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

2 Bay Leaves

3 leaves chopped fresh Basil

1lb Rigatoni (or your favorite pasta shape)

Freshly grated Parmesan

Large Sauce Pot

Method:

1.     Finely dice all of the vegetables, and measure out the remaining ingredients to keep the cooking process quick and efficient.

2.     On medium-low heat, sauté the pancetta until all of the fat is rendered and the pancetta is crisp. Remove from the pot into a side bowl. Then sear and cook the beef and pork 1 pound at a time. Remove from the pot into a side bowl.

3.     In the remaining grease left in the pot, sweat the onion until halfway cooked, then add carrot and celery to finish cooking together. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.

4.     Add the wine to deglaze the bottom of the pan and scrape any stuck bits with a wooden spoon. Add all the meat to the pot with the veggies and mix. Then add all remaining ingredients in the order that they’re listed and mix again. Season to your preference.  

5.     Place on a very low simmer, uncovered, and allow to cook and reduce for 3 hours. The liquid will reduce during that time. Be sure to stir occasionally and monitor the heat to avoid scorching the bottom.

6.     Once ready to serve, boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until slightly al dente. Drain pasta and add it back to the boiling pot. Then ladle the Bolognese sauce over the pasta and mix until adequately covered with a good sauce ratio to pasta.

7.     Serve in wide-mouth bowls or on large flat plates. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy with a salad, bread, and your sweetheart’s favorite red wine.

Head over to my page, GirlInTheGreenApron.com, or visit me on Instagram at @GirlInTheGreenApron_ (don't forget the underscore at the end) for more recipes!

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