How to Prepare Pink Pasta with Hearts

Staying in this Valentine's Day? Us too! I've always been of the mindset that meals cooked at home are more meaningful and comforting, especially during the holidays.

Valentine's Day is the day of the beet at our home, but my kids don't know that. They just know that on February 14th, all their food is a delightful pink and red, and I'm just fine with that.

It's so easy to fill our bodies with refined sugars on Valentine's Day, but it doesn't have to end that way. Complete your day of love with this easy, fast, fun, yummy, and best of all, healthy dish!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 beet, cooked and peeled.
• 1/3 cup cream, half-and-half, or whole milk
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ground pepper to taste
• ground nutmeg to taste

1. Allow cream and butter to stand at room temperature while you cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.

2. 
    
   You don't have to be a perfectionist, just have fun!

   As the pasta cooks and the cream and butter sit, slice the beet lengthwise. Quarter the slices. Now comes the fun part! Cut out whatever shapes you can think of out of the quarters, such as hearts and kisses. Let your creative juices flow!

3. 
    

   In a skillet, whisk butter, cream, beet shapes, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch each of pepper and nutmeg over medium heat until the butter and cheese is melted and the sauce becomes pink. Don't let it boil.

4. 
    

   Arrange pasta on your serving dish and drizzle sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• To make this dish even healthier, use crème fraiche instead of regular cream. Cultured dairy is always better for you. The good bacteria helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

[sneedc]

on 2/14/2009 Great recipe for any day, not just ?'s day! thanks 5*

[healthymomof5]

on 2/9/2009 Sounds yummy and fun!5*