The Romantic Way

When you have teenage boys, it's not often they allow you to have a romantic evening at home. It's sometimes work, but well worth it, and honestly, a romantic evening at home is really your best romantic date idea. Not long ago, on a Friday evening, Holly and I enjoyed just such an evening. Hopefully, it's an inspiration to you.

The Moscow temp had plunged to minus 33C. The icy winds ripped at any skin uncovered by layers. We were home, warm and best of all--alone. It doesn't get much better. Who wants dinner out or tickets to a play for a date under these conditions? Not I.

Holly set the mood. Warm candle light filled the house and tunes by Paul Mauriat played softly.

What makes a moment like this truly romantic?

Time.

Spontaneous. No stress. A romantic evening at home created together.

Time is our most valuable possession. Each of us has a limited amount. You can't really buy it. That's why it's so romantic to give it. Moment by moment linger together; share time. No demands. The phone is turned off. The world is outside. The kids are fine. Unhindered, unfettered, long, luxurious time.

We became ravenously hungry in the midst of all that time.

Holly and I looked at one another. Should we go out for dinner? Naw!

Here's Our Romantic Dinner Idea

Together, we whipped up a most wonderful, creamy white sauce made from pesto, pine nuts and oregano and served it over fresh pasta. Served by candlelight accompanied by soft music and a glass of wine, we shared a most romantic dinner right at home. Spontaneous. No stress. A romantic evening at home created together.

With a little time together, you can create your own romantic evening at home.

Want our recipe for the White Sauce and Pasta? Very easy. You can adjust it to your taste. Be creative and toss in some vegetables such as steamed broccoli or cauliflower. If you want you can even reduce the milk a bit and put in a dash of white wine.

4 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. milk
1-2 tbsp. pesto (to taste)
1/4 tsp. oregano
3 tbsp. roasted pine nuts
1 c. shredded soft white cheese

Basic white sauce: in saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and dash pepper. Add milk a little at a time stirring constantly to keep sauce smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. If you like it thinner, add a little more milk. Cook and stir 2 minutes more.

Add pesto, pine nuts and oregano. Add cheese stirring constantly until melted and sauce is smooth. Add anything else you'd like such as cooked veggies, shrimp or mushrooms.

Serve over hot cooked pasta. Linguine or even spinach linquine is nice. Open a bottle of chilled white wine. Light a candle. Enjoy.

You can look at our other Romantic Dinner Recipes here!

Yours along TheRomanticWay!


Rod & Holly