Valentine's Day Dinner

Okay, I know that I keep going on about how Jon and I "don't celebrate Valentine's Day" but that's not entirely true because I am simply too much of a girl to let the holiday escape without some notice!  He'll be coming over for dinner on Tuesday night; cards will be read, candles will be lit, wine will be poured, and - if I'm lucky - flowers will be arranged.  Also, I will probably cry.  (Who says that Valentine's Day can't be classy?  Not this lady, no sir.)

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As I've noted before, the way to a man's heart is often through his stomach, and there's something almost mythical about boys at every age yearning for the classic foods of childhood.  Since Jon finds such profound contentment in simple dishes, I'm going to pull out a move from my The Lady and the Tramp cookbook* and make spaghetti with meatballs tomorrow night.  We'll probably start with an easy spinach salad and we'll definitely finish with Gü chocolate souffles, but the star of the meal will absolutely be the main, even though I'm going to cheat and use store-bought sauce because it's a weeknight and I just do not have the energy or the will to do everything from scratch.

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Spaghetti with Meatballs
serves 2 with serious leftovers

1/4 lbs ground veal
1/4 lbs ground pork
1/2 lbs ground beef
2/3 c breadcrumbs
1 tbs chopped parsley
1/4 c grated Parmesean
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 medium egg, beaten
1/3 c warm water
olive oil
vegetable oil

Combine all of the ingredients except the oils in a bowl, making sure to keep a light hand when mixing.  Form the mixture into 2" balls using your hand and a fork; you'll end up with about 10-12 meatballs, though I have never gotten the same result twice in however many times I've made this.

Pour equal amounts of the oils into a deep skillet to a depth of 1/4".  On medium-low heat, brown the meatballs evenly on all sides.  Remove to a plate covered with paper towels.

In a heavy pot, heat the sauce (use whatever brand you like best, as I do, or find recipes here, here, and here) until bubbling.  Submerge the meatballs as much as possible in the sauce, cover, and simmer on a low heat for 25-30 minutes.

Near the end of the meatball process, make your spaghetti.  Serve with plenty of grated Parmesan and extra chopped parsley.  Enjoy!

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If you're wondering what to make for your sweetie on Tuesday, just ask Epicurious!  They've got a quiz to help you plan the perfect meal.  Apparently I should be making a roast chicken with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts, which was actually my back-up idea.  Right on the mark - well done, Epicurious.  The Kitchn has some great options as well, perfectly sized for two.  If you cook for Valentine's Day, let me know what you end up making!

*Note: I didn't actually know that there really is a Disney cookbook out there.  (I mean, of course there is.  Long live capitalism and all that.)  My recipe is more based off Ina's example.