By Mikey Shaffer
A couple sitting across the table from each other, make their way down the same piece of pasta until their lips meet in the middle. Children sit expectantly as mom and dad fill the table with a warm, hearty, and delicious homemade dinner. The extended family and friends hover around the grill while that one uncle barbeques burgers and brats for everyone. These are the scenes known by everyone that all lead back to what cooking is truly about – food is made with love.
Here at Kitchen Ink, we think that there is a scene missing from the classics, and we want to share it with you this Valentine’s Day. While cooking a meal for and eating it with others is great, cooking a meal for yourself can be even better. As Valentine’s Day approaches, we are encouraging you to love yourself as much as you would anybody else by cooking a delicious meal for you and you only.
For those of you finding yourself alone this Valentine’s Day, this one’s for you. Stop by the store on your way home and pick up the following ingredients: dried penne pasta (1 pound), bell peppers (1 cup), zucchini (1 cup), cherry tomatoes (1 cup), scallions (⅓ cup), mixed olives (1 cup), grated parmesan (1 cup), chopped mozzarella balls (1 cup), and basil (1 cup). Tonight, you are going to make a delicious, fresh pasta salad for yourself… but don’t forget the dressing. Grab some red wine vinegar (⅓ cup), some sea salt (½ tsp), black pepper (½ tsp), dried oregano (½ tsp), and some extra-virgin olive oil (½ cup).
Get home, get comfortable, and get in the kitchen. Connect to your speaker and put your favorite record on. Boil a large pot of salted water. Throw the pasta in for 6 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl mix the dressing and add in all ingredients. Finally, refrigerate until it has cooled. In the meantime, go find a show or movie to watch. Dim the lights, light some candles, and get comfortable. Tonight, is a night for you and you only. You deserve it. Self-love should be a priority, and this Valentine’s Day, you don’t need anybody but yourself. Do something for you.