Dinner with Chris, Alyn, Ellis, and Eric

We had Alyn, Chris, and Ellis, along with Eric V. over tonight. We served baked rigatoni and used gluten free pasta instead of the regular stuff (Eric's gone gluten free). For dessert we had sea salt and caramel ice cream from Pumphouse Creamery. Of course, it was all very delicious and it was great to see these guys as it's been a while. 

Last Night's Dinner - Baked Rigatoni

Dale and I were in great need of comfort food last night.  We turned to our old standby of baked rigatoni.  Dale had chocolate cake for dessert with a chocolate ganache frosting.  I had chocolate with a sea salt and caramel frosting.  I never would have thought salty frosting would work. This worked.

Holiday Entertaining

Two couples that we know from the gym came over for dinner last night. Michelle, who teaches a spin class that Dale takes, and her husband Steve, along with Fred, who also takes the spin class, and his wife Linda arrived around 6:30. Appetizers included cheese, tapanade and crackers. Everyone drank wine except Steve and me who had Tanqueray gin martinis [Note to self: Steve loves Hendricks].

Dale made rigatoni and green beans amandine. Fred and Linda brought the most divine chocolate cake from Cafe Latte in St. Paul (see above photo).

It was a lovely group of people and a good time was had by all.

Dinner with Lisa, Janine, Gus, Kathy and Kathleen

Last night Dale and I had over our friends Lisa and Janine and their son Gus. Also joining us were our friends Kathy and Kathleen. Dale made baked rigatoni and green beans amandine. Lisa and Janine brought over a salad and Kathy and Kathleen brought dessert. I served as drink mixmaster. We pulled out the leaf on the table for the first time since probably last December. Dale pointed out this morning that the table looks very inviting. I agree.

Baked Rigatoni - The Finished Product

Yum

Silver Hour with Baked Rigatoni - Wednesday March 2, 2011

Dale was out of town last week so we didn't get our 'Silver Hour'. He's back home and we're both looking forward to the one tonight. Dinner will be baked rigatoni which is very much a comfort food for us.

Here's how we make the rigatoni:

20 oz. ground turkey or Italian Sausage

2 cups shredded mozzarella

1 and 1/2 jar spaghetti sauce

parmasan cheese to taste

Put in baking dish and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.