Homage is paid to the most famous staple of the Italian kitchen, as you heed the call of your pasta pots, to celebrate Spaghetti Day observed annually on January 4.
Before the surge of Italian immigrants, Americans were only familiar with that canned stuff that was swimming in a ketchup-like liquid. However, intoxicating aromas, from Italian kitchens, spread far and wide and Italian cuisine has become one of the most popular dining choices in the United States.
Spaghetti is the most widely recognized pasta. Its long strands nestle in pasta bowls to serve as the palette for a variety of sauces. Red sauce marries harmoniously with spaghetti and meatballs. Alfredo is a creamy white sauce and vodka sauce incorporates red sauce with vodka and cream.
Spaghetti is tossed with eggs, cheese and bacon to create a delicious carbonara. If you would prefer lighter fare, consider tossing spaghetti with pesto, a paste made with basil, parsley, garlic, pignoli, olive oil and grated cheese.
Other light options include spaghetti with clam sauce or spaghetti dressed simply with olive oil, minced garlic and parsley. Introduce the meal with a tossed salad, and accompany your chosen entrée with garlic bread.
Celebrate Spaghetti Day by uncorking a bottle of Chianti and enjoying a spaghetti dinner with friends and family. After dinner, you can all watch a marathon of “The Godfather” movies as you figure out how to make room for espresso and cannolis. Buon appetito!
