Mini Pasta Maximum Fun!

Mention pasta and everyone's minds turns to spaghetti, maybe linguine or angel hair if they're
 a bit more sophisticated. Yet there's a whole selection of mini pastas that pack great flavor. Use these with traditional sauce for a tasty hot dish or in salads for a cool side at a barbecue or tailgate party.

Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes. The smaller sized varieties can be turned into any dish. A favorite is acine de pepe, translated  grains of pepper in Italian. .These are basically spaghetti minced into small pieces. It's a wonderful alternative to the star shaped pastina and cooks up into fat little kernels.It's great in any broth such as vegetable, beef or chicken, Put more than a cup in and it makes a filling dinner. To turn it into it more substantial serve it with any sauce that would go with spaghetti or ravioli. It makes a nice meal for one, especially served in a butter sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it with marinara and meatballs for a fun kid's meal.Acine de pepe can also be used in soups and is a staple in the classic Italian wedding soup. It can also grace  minestrone too and be a nice  change of pace in a chicken noodle soup. The little pasta  bits can be used in a salad for a spin. Try it with sliced grape tomatoes and parsley for a nice side with burgers or grilled steak. Mix it with tuna, chopped celery and onions for a twist on the classic tuna salad.Acine de pepe can also be used in fruit salads with pineapple chunks and orange wedges.

Orzo is another mini pasta that can be served hot or cold.It comes from the Latin hordeum or barley and can be the base of many dishes.It can be a main dish or a side.Many home chefs use it instead of rice as the Greeks do, and it's usually the base of many pilafs. Try it with Parmesan and basil for a quick and tasty dinner.It's made similar to the way risotto is cooked. Saute the raw pasta in butter until lightly browned  and then add the chicken broth.It can also be turned into a variation of risotto Milanese with the addition of saffron.Orzo is perfect paired with chicken and blends well with any green veggie such as spinach and broccoli. The orzo grains are also a fun change in any soup that calls for noodles. Even add it to tomato soup for a nice surprise.Like acine de pepe, it can also make for a great cold salad. Try it Greek style with sliced cucumbers,kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.Artichoke hearts, parsley, and lemon juice are also added  to make for a lively flavor.For a colorful side make a checkerboard orzo salad with goat cheese and cubed tomatoes.A truly filling orzo salad is one made Nicoise style with tuna in oil, artichoke hearts and arugula. Red onions and bell peppers are also tossed into the mix for color and bite.

Mini pastas such as acine de pepe and orzo are little pastas that guarantee big flavors. They are fun and versatile,perfect for any main meal or side. Try them and see what a big impact they'll make.

The Best Romantic Meals Ever

Romantic meals are not only for today, Valentine's Day but for all year round. A home cooked meal is a good  way to celebrate anything from an anniversary to a weekend without the kids. The best part is that it doesn't have to be an elaborate one. Sometimes just a simply made dish says it all - "I love you."

Everyone thinks that the more elaborate the prep, the better the meal. Not so. Sometimes just grilled chicken or pork chops is the perfect meal for two.Make these more exotic and romantic by adding an easy pilaf or couscous as sides. Another way to go is homespun. A small or indvidual shepherd's pie  is a lovely dinner as is fried chicken, gravy and biscuits .Want fun? Then think dimsum - Chinese dumplings filled with favorite meats and veggies. These can be fried or steamed.Whatever way they're fun to make and eat - especially with chopsticks.

Some people love to create an elaborate meal for their beloveds. Pasta is always a good choice .It's a sensual feast .with delicates aromas and flavors. There's nothing like a homemade fettuccine with a creamy Alfredo sauce or spaghetti with a lush, Bolognese sauce. For something different try a linguine with clam sauce.It's the perfect romantic meal no matter what the season. Cornish hen is another good dinner for two choice.It can be served elegantly with a wild rice stuffing and new potatoes.A small roasted duck is also great for dining in.Have it with a plum sauce and sauteed veggies.

Today is definitely the day for a homecooked romantic meal. However a romantic meal can be made any time of the year. After all love is year round  - not just one day.