Clean Out the Fridge Spaghetti for Two

There is no doubt about it . . .  there is a real connection between what we eat, what we long to eat and how we feel when we eat.  Food and emotion are very closely connected.  Just try messing with a woman's chocolate stash and you will find out just how closely connected the two are!



Bertolli with Butter recently partnered with Susan Duncan, Professor of Food Science and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, who has revealed six ingredients you can use in ‘Pheromeals’ (pheromone-laden dishes) for your loved one.

What is a pheromone?

pheromone
ˈfɛrəməʊn/ noun

Zoology plural noun: pheromones a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, especially a mammal or an insect, affecting the behaviour or physiology of others of its species.

I don't think we are talking about the same animal here, do you?  haha

"Food has a fascinating ability to affect our emotions both psychologically through association with powerful memories, or physiologically. Comfort foods often take us back to happy, secure times.“The textures of food can put us in the right frame of mind. Smooth, velvety textures are very pleasurable. Aroma and flavour can also contribute to the romance. Our increased romantic response may be associated with the psychology of a memory triggering physiological response rather than the actual sensory experience of the food. A few foods, such as truffles, do contain compounds that are pheromones. “

Top six foods for love:

SCALLOPS: Offer sensory attributes; their texture, taste and aroma, which suggest sexuality and help put you in the right frame of mind for romance. They are also high in zinc which is essential for healthy sperm production

CHOCOLATES: The sweet, smooth textures of chocolate are psychologically suggestive of sensuality in the right context and have been shown to de-crease tiredness and increase positive moods for up to 5-30 minutes after eating

WINE: In small doses has calming attributes which relax us and reduces inhibitions

 CHILLI PEPPERS: Chillies get the metabolism going and increase blood flow – and contain capsaicin which can release endorphins in the brain, perfect for a romantic situation

TRUFFLES: Contain compounds such as androstenol which are recognized as pheromones

SPICES SUCH AS SAFFRON, LAVENDAR, AND VANILLAS: The sensual aspect of spices such as saffron and lavender go a long way to putting you in a romantic frame of mind. Repeated and extended consumption of saffron has also been shown to increase male sexual function This Valentines its important to inject passion into your cooking.

 

I was given several recipes to try by the people at Bertolli with Butter which were meant to be recipes for love.  Unfortunately amost all of them contained seafood or shellfish . . .  and Todd and I are both allergic.  I did try the one which didn't have any seafood or shellfish in it, but it didn't really work for me.  I guess I was having an off day.  All the ingredients I had for the dish were used up by then and so I decided to use my own ingenuity.



 Using what I had left in the refrigerator I came up with this . . .  I know what makes my man happy and maybe it isn't pasta . . .  but if he thinks he's saving money, he's a very happy camper!  That is his phenermone that works the best on him!



I had a few rashers of bacon, a piece of cabbage, some onions, garlic, red chillies and yes  . . .  cheese.  Oh, and some cream.  I put them together and made a delicious sauce which I tossed together with some whole wheat spaghetti and we ended up with a very delicious pasta dish that we both enjoyed!  Well . . .  I enjoyed.  I don't think Todd will every truly love Pasta, but  he isn't as opposed to it as he used to be and if we can save money by eating it, then he is all for it!

 

*Clear the Fridge Spaghetti for Two*

Serves 2

Printable Recipe 

Necessity being the mother of invention, I came up with this delicious dish for two that used exactly what I had to hand in a most delicious way.  I love it when that happens. 

You will need:

150g of spaghetti (5 1/2 ounces)

(I used whole wheat) 

For the sauce:

1 TBS Bertolli with butter

4 rashers of streaky bacon, chopped

1 small onion, peeled and diced

1 fat clove of garlic, peeled and crushed

1/4 of a small head of cabbage thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
120ml of chicken stock or white wine (1/2 cup)

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 of a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes in tomato juice, undrained (1 cup)

1/2 tsp chopped red chillies (don't use the seeds if you don't want a lot of heat)

1 TBS double (heavy) cream

salt and pepper to taste

finely chopped parsley and finely grated Parmesan Cheese to garnish

Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil.  Melt the Bertolli with Butter in a large skillet.  Add the chopped bacon and onion.  Cook, stirring frequently until the bacon begins to crisp.  Add the cabbage.  Cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften and brown in places.  Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.  Add the chicken stock (wine), tomatoes and Italian seasoning.  Bring to the boil and then reduce to a slow simmer and cover tightly.  Cook on low whilst you cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.

Drain the spaghetti, reserving a bit of the water.  Add the cream to the tomato sauce along with just enough pasta water to loosen it a tiny bit.  Taste and adjust seasoning as desired with salt and black pepper.  Add the cooked spaghetti and toss together.  Divide between two bowls.  Serve immediately garnished with some chopped parsley and finely grated Parmesan cheese.





A salad on the side rounded out a very delicious meal indeed.

Actually, I recently took a class about Cooking for Diabetes and we were encouraged to use olive oil spreads rather than other spreads such as margarine.  I quite like Bertolli with Butter myself and it is something which we have been using in our home since last October.



Bertolli with Butter combines the creamy taste of butter with rich olive oil for a touch of Mediterranean sunshine.  It's a delicious spread for bread or toast or for use in every day cooking.  And is that little bit healthier than just plain butter with the addition of olive oil.

Let's face it fat is fat and we all need to reduce our consumption of fats, but if we are going to have fat in our diet (and we do need some) then it might as well be a healthier choice.

Check out the Bertolli Website
(Including delicious recipes)