Black Olive Fettuccine Alfredo

 

Fettuccine Alfredo, made properly, is not something that you want to have all of the time because it is so rich. It is also delicious, so occasionally it is fine to indulge. I have been doing a bit of experimentation with black olives this past week, having discovered quite a few cans in the pantry when I started my annual pre-fall cleaning and organizing. (Don’t be impressed. It only lasts a couple of days because I bore easily.) On a whim, I decided to add chopped black olives to Fettuccine Alfredo. It’s visually more interesting, and exceptionally good. It’s a 30-minute meal that serves two, so it’s easy enough for a weeknight; very romantic with a nice bottle of wine.

Black Olive Fettuccine Alfredo
¼ c. butter
2 oz. cream cheese
1 c. heavy cream
½ t. garlic powder
1 2.25-oz. can sliced black olives*
15-20 gratings freshly ground black pepper
Salt, if you think you need it, I didn’t
6 to 8 gratings whole nutmeg
1/3 c. grated Parmesan
6 oz. fettuccine noodles, prepared as directed

In a medium saucepan over low heat melt butter. When butter is melted add cream cheese, stirring until combined. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt (if desired), and pepper. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in black olives, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Toss with cooked and drained fettuccine. Serve immediately.

Serves two as a main dish, four as a side

*You can use chopped or sliced here. I just grabbed a handful and threw them into a food processor. Whatever does the job.

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Let It Snow Tablescape

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During the last year or so your enjoyment of candlelit romantic dinners has probably been few and far between considering the shut down of restaurants worldwide. It’s times like these when we need to get creative and enjoy our own candlelit romantic setting at home.

The shorter days of winter seem to provide the perfect opportunity for dinners such as these. After all, what is more cozy and enjoyable than being inside enjoying warmth and delicious food while outside snow is falling?

This is my second winter tablescape for this year, and I had great fun putting it together. It began with the centerpiece featuring two faux pine trees covered with a sparkling crystal “ice.”

My favorite oil-rubbed bronze metal houses, illuminated from within, give the feeling of a romantic night in the woods. A project that I was working on requiring polyester fiberfill caused me to put some in place to represent snow.

An abundance of candlelight was a must so I used both my little reindeer candleholders as well as snowflake candleholders. I always hate putting these away after Christmas, so try to get as much mileage out of them as possible.

Three twig reindeer round out the cozy scene, dappled with little snowflake plaques.

I wanted to keep the colors as neutral as possible to represent winter. I used a repeat of my favorite checked tablecloth, topped with a macramé table runner from Anthropologie.

White metal chargers from Pier 1 are topped with nubby-edged, chestnut brown dinner plates are also from Pier 1. The salad plate features a wonderful pheasant.

Flatware in this table setting is from Cabela’s as it was in the last table setting, this set featuring a cozy cabin.

Pure white cups and saucers are a further reminder of white blankets of snow; the crystal stemware represents ice.

If you’re trying to create a romantic setting nothing beats candlelight, the more the better. Even the simplest place setting can look quite elegant in candlelight.

This post is linked to:

Tablescape Thursday

 

 

Romantic Valentine's Place Setting

Flashing back to last Valentine’s Day to bring you this darling little breakfast (or lunch, or dinner) tray.

Is there anything that says I love you more than a lovely Valentine tray set for breakfast in bed?  Okay, it's not diamond jewelry, but then it doesn't cost as much either.

If you were clever, you put your scone ingredients together last night, so while your beloved is sipping the fresh orange juice that you squeezed this morning, you can be baking the scones.

The newspaper can divert attentions until they are ready, hot coffee or tea can be poured into the little glass hottle to be consumed when desired. 

If you don't have a sweetie at home, then do this for yourself. (Yesterday's scones, if baked ahead, can be heated for 5-8 minutes in the oven at 350 and taste as fresh as the day they were made.). 

Relax, have a peaceful breakfast, and enjoy your day.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

This post is linked to:

Table It Monday

Tuesdays At Our Home

Before and After Wednesday

Open House Party

Centerpiece Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesday
Work It Wednesday

What’s It Wednesday

Clever Chicks Blog Hop

Thursday Favorite Things

Tablescape Thursday

Create It Thursday

Home and Garden Thursday

Show and Tell Friday 

Friday Unfolded
Fridays Flash Blog
Simple and Sweet Fridays

What To Do Weekend 
The Weekend re-Treat

Feathered Nest Friday

The Weekend Social

Flashback Friday

Malted Pecan Waffles

Heart-shaped malted pecan waffles and café au lait.

With St. Valentine's Day just a few days ahead, it's time to start thinking about a loving way in which to start your day.   Nothing says romance first thing in the morning, like a delicious hot breakfast. (Okay, nothing REALLY says romance like an extra few hours of sleep, but I digress... )   In this case, thanks to my heart-shaped waffle iron (a gift from the mister before we were married, how's that for romantic!), a plate of malted pecan waffles.

Now I realize that not everyone (few in fact) have heart-shaped waffle irons, so consider making square waffles and cutting them out with a large (3" to 4") heart-shaped cookie cutter.  That failing, make the square waffles and top them with heart-shaped butter pats, that are actually purchasable (much to my surprise) at some food markets.  That failing, if you plan ahead you can make your own heart-shaped butter pats using candy molds available at hobby and craft stores (e.g. Michael's - take your coupon!) by simply allowing butter to soften, pressing it into the molds (a rubber spatula works well for this), and chilling in the fridge until you need them.

Equally romantic are waffles topped with whipped cream and strawberries, or if you really want to go for broke, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top of the strawberries and whipped cream.  You're limited only by your imagination.

Here is a waffle recipe I particularly enjoy, but if you're under a time constraint use the recipe on the Bisquick box, adding a teaspoon of vanilla, a tablespoon of sugar and gratings of  either nutmeg or lemon zest.  It gives the waffles a taste that doesn't scream "out of the box," and will leave your diner with the special impression that you spent more time on them than you did.

Malted Pecan Waffles

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla malted milk powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
A few gratings of fresh nutmeg
2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Preheat waffle iron. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, malted milk powder and baking soda. In a separate bowl, beat together egg yolks and milk. Add milk mixture, butter, oil, and pecans to flour; stirring gently to combine. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks have formed; fold into batter.  Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix onto hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Keep warm in oven while remaining waffles cook.

Have a romantic day!


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at The Little Round Table