Italian cuisine is a top choice for many first dates, special romantic meals for two, and just a favored comfort food of men and women, young and old. One of the first things that grabs your attention is the pleasing aromas that fill you home as you cook Italian style--onions, garlic, tomato sauce, wine, it all comes together to seduce the senses. And the best part--typically there are few ingredients and not many steps to make the perfect Italian dish. Here is our Italian Menu for Valentine's Day: Just click on the title of each recipe for ingredients and directions.


DESSERT
White Chocolate Parfait with Flambeed Cherries

Let's start backwards. I will share with you a gorgeous dessert that is a true show-stopper and a prefect end to your Seduction Meal. This dessert was created by a fellow food blogger - Scarlett of Desert.net.eu. Her creations are magnificent. This is one recipe that is not a simple Italian recipes -but one look at this phone and you should be seduced to give it a try. Click on the Title to be taken to Scarlett's recipe.


MAIN COURSE
Spaghetti Carbonara with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Parsley

The Main Course is a very easy dish to make, and is an Italian Classic, with a twist. Our Spaghetti Carbonara blends the sweet taste of sun dried tomatoes and salty pancetta with a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce   I like to serve this with a tomato basil bruschetta (see below) and a bottle of chilled white burgundy like Domaine Vocoret 2006 Chablis. I typically do not add salt to this dish as the pancetta is salty. Click on the title to be taken to the recipe.


STARTERS
Spicey Garllic Shrimp
Tomato Basil Bruschetta

I have selected two starters, another classic--tomato basil bruschetta, and Spicy Carlic Shrimp. Who can resist hot and spicy? This shrimp dish is a guaranteed hit and very easy to prepare. Serve this with fresh French  or Italian bread to soak up the garlic flavored olive oi. Serve your starters with chilled white wine or champagne.