Italian Dinner + Italian Wine

I joined Zagat Wine Club, and got 12 bottles of red + white wines for only $69.99! What a great deal! We decided to open one bottle every week to enjoy it with a nice dinner.


Villa Farnia di Farnese Montepulciano, 2008 ($13.99)

The first bottle we opened was Villa Farnia di Farnese Montepulciano.  It's a Italian dry red wine, so I want to pair it with an Italian pasta dinner.



Broccoli, Chickpea, and Tomato Salad

All the recipes came from Martha Stewart's Food Everyday.  For starter, I made Broccoli, Chickpea, and Tomato Salad.  "This simply dressed assortment of wholesome vegetables and legumes is full of bright color, texture, and flavor.  Serve it as a starter or side at dinner, and save any leftovers for lunch the next day."  The salad was very easy to make.  It's healthy and light, and it tasted just as good the next day for lunch.


Pasta and Easy Italian Meat Sauce

Our main entree was Pasta and Easy Italian Meat Sauce.  "Here is a meaty tomato sauce that doesn't need to cook for a long time to be flavorful.  And the sauce keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months."  The sauce smelt so good when it was cooking on the stove.  I love the fragrance of thyme and nutmeg.  Dr. P likes this pasta a lot, and that made me happy.


Cappuccino Parfaits

Cappuccino Parfaits for dessert.  "Amaretti are crunchy Italian macaroons made from almond paste, sugar, and egg whites.  You can substitute any crispy cookie."  The dessert was made with ricotta cheese, sugar, and espresso powder.  It was super easy to make.  I never knew ricotta cheese tasted this yummy as dessert.

The wine paired perfectly with our Italian dinner.  Plenty of leftover to enjoy the next day as well.  Dr. P is happy, and so am I!  ^^

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