Date Night (in)...

Husband and I have quite the night planned for ourselves. Our first "date night" since Mikey was born.

Of course, we won't be leaving the house for this date, and Mikey will be hanging out in the office with us happily in his swing. But - still! It counts, it does!

First, a little mood music. Sinatra at the Sands (Frank Sinatra with Count Basie & His Orchestra) on this cd that was recently remastered and re-released.

To start off the night, a cocktail. Specifically, we will be drinking Blue Velvets:

2 parts UV Blue (UV Vodka)
2 parts pineapple juice
Shake on the rocks and strain into a martini glass.
Finish with a splash of grenadine.

I figure that somewhere in the midst of my first drink, Mikey will start hollerin' for his dinner, so I'll get him fed.

Then it is time for our dinner. On the menu tonight? Thanks for the great recipe, Weightwatchers.com!



Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta

1/2 pound(s) raw turkey sausage, Italian-style, casings removed
2 tsp olive oil, extra-virgin
2 medium yellow pepper(s), cut into 2-inch long thin strips
1 medium onion(s), thinly sliced
1/2 cup(s) red wine
1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted recommended
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or less to taste
1/4 tsp table salt
8 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, fusilli
1/3 cup(s) basil, fresh, chopped

Directions:

* Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

* Meanwhile, to make sauce, in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, stirring and breaking up meat with back of a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes; remove to a plate.

* Heat oil in same skillet. Add yellow peppers and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are lightly colored and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

* Add wine and garlic; cook until most of liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper, salt and browned sausage; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender and sauce is heated through, about 10 minutes.

* While sauce simmers, add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions. Drain pasta; return to pot. Add sauce and basil; toss to mix and coat. Yields about 1 1/3 cups per serving.

To finish off the night? We'll be playing World of Warcraft :)

Are we awesome and exciting, or what?