A Birthday Italian Feast

Overindulgence! Phew, I need to get back into the yoga studio. But it’s not for nothing, that’s for sure. I just need to work a little harder and I can make up for all this delicious decadence I’ve been subjecting myself to. My dad’s birthday was at the end of August and we decided to have a little Italian celebration with plenty of pasta and lots of love. I guess I still got it because everything was pretty spot on. I love these dishes and I made a couple of things a few different ways because my family is a mesh of different flavors and tastes. My mom, dad, grandma, brother, sister-in-law, sister, brother-in-law, my niece (thought she didn’t eat) and I all sat down to a great meal. I’m very excited to share it with you.

Spicy Seafood Linguine- Clams, mussels, shrimp and scallops simmered in a white wine, garlic and basil tomato sauce with red pepper flakes

Seafood Linguine

Linguine and Herb Parmesan Meatballs

Antipasto Salad

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta topped with Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

I absolutely love seafood linguine. My dad is a huge fan of it and I would make it for him when my family would visit me at the restaurant. I made a huge pot of marinara, one of my all time favorite sauces, slow simmered with lots of fresh vegetables and herbs. Seafood linguine is something to master, because the ratio of liquid from your shellfish to the perfect timing of tender shrimp and scallops can be three seconds from disaster. Once you accomplish making it, it’s a perfect crowd pleaser.

We were all definitely full of pasta, wine and tomatoes. We had plenty of meatballs for the next day.

I love you Dad. Happy birthday!

Cheers

Unrivaledkitch