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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Valentines Day Recipes

Recipes For Romance: Olivieri #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Everyone has a recipe for romance – just ask any teenage boy! Back when I was in high school, my boyfriend’s interpretation included teddy bears, chocolate kisses and a plea to “go all the way” (I accepted two out of his three offerings). Of course, as I grew – and matured – I became less focused on Valentine’s Day as an “event”, and started my rage against the roses. Today, with two kids, four mouths to feed, six hours of sleep and eight jobs, I’m just grateful for a quiet meal and a bottomless glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

I suppose my recipe for romance comes with only two ingredients… and two instructions. Eat and pour.

And, if that meal happened to be Blazing Heart Lobster Rosé Ravioli from Olivieri, I’d be okay with that. In fact, I’d be in love.

If you’re a faithful reader, you’ll know that Olivieri has debuted heart-shaped ravioli and new recipes perfect for Valentine’s Day meals.

How Do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways:

Heart Ravioli with Vanilla Champagne Butter Sauce
Ravioli Hearts with Brown Butter Sauce
Little Devils Sausage Borsetti

Thank you Olivieri – that’s three surefire ways to my heart – and my tummy. This Valentine’s Day, create a romantic meal for your special someone using Olivieri’s delicious fresh pasta and sauces.

(Hint: Olivieri’s Facebook Page is a great source for recipes and inspiration.)

And who knows? Had my high school boyfriend made me an unforgettable meal that incorporated lobster, heart-shaped ravioli and rosé sauce, perhaps I would have taken him up on all three of his romantic notions :) …

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Recipes for Romance: Fried Ravioli Hearts

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Now, it needs to be said. My husband makes the BEST Valentine’s Day dinners.

From Chicken Marsala to Filet Mignon, Garlic Lobster Tails to Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, he comes through year after year. Yes, I am very blessed. Yes, I normally gain 1.6 pounds in one night.

This year, I know he’ll indulge me with another succulent, romantic dish. And while I’m happy to let him take the lead, I’m planning on a hearty (pun intended) appetizer – my own Recipe for Romance. On the table: Fried Ravioli Hearts, the perfect finger food and oh-so-scrumptious. It’s pasta. It’s five cheeses. It’s warm, crunchy goodness, especially when paired with the perfect tomato dipping sauce. It’s red and white ravioli hearts, people! OMG.

To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Olivieri has debuted heart-shaped ravioli and new recipes perfect for Valentine’s Day meals. And while the heart-shaped ravioli is wonderful in Melting Heart Ravioli with Vanilla Champagne Butter Sauce and Ravioli Hearts with Brown Butter Sauce, I love it as a simple appetizer.

Olivieri Fried Ravioli Hearts

Olive oil, for frying
1 package Olivieri Heart-Shaped Ravioli < Limited Time Only!
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp milk
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
1 package Olivieri Tomato & Herb Fresh Sauce, heated through

Generously coat the bottom of a large frying pan with olive oil to a depth of about 1/2-inch. Heat the oil to medium.

While the oil is heating, combine the beaten egg and milk in one shallow bowl, and the bread crumbs with 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. Working in batches, dip the ravioli in egg/milk mixture to coat completely. Allow the excess liquid to drip back into the bowl. Lightly dredge ravioli in the bread crumb mixture. Place the ravioli on a clean plate or baking sheet, and continue with the remaining ravioli.

When the oil is hot, fry the ravioli in batches, turning once, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to paper towels to drain.

Sprinkle the fried ravioli with Parmesan cheese and serve with a bowl of warmed Tomato & Herb sauce for dipping. Serves 4-6; if making this recipe for your special someone on Valentine’s Day, simply use half the package and freeze the remainder (or use it all and have a kick ass late night snack).

P.S. Enter Olivieri’s Valentine’s Day Promotion, where you could win a luxury spa retreat for two!