win her vegetarian heart spaghetti marco polo


so, the story goes: after a summer of sitting at the corner table of the bar, laughing at ourselves, laughing at other people, harry finally asked me out. our first date was on labor day to the fort worth zoo. we saw Galapagos tortoises gettin it on. we may have even held hands, so sweet. a couple of months roll by and i get a call from someone far away. well, i had to go get some answers to some questions, so i booked a flight. the night before i take this trip, our harry asks me over for a harry cooked vegetarian meal. i have never had someone go all out before. he really was so thoughtful and romantic. so, the back yard at his house in denton on B St. was decked out in fairy lights of all colors and candles and good wine and great music. it was oct 2, 1999. i'll bet he doesn't even remember the day. ok, anyway, to the recipe. i was not eating meat at the time and he kicked the veggies straight for me that night. many know this, and have eaten it time and time again. it changes every time, but i will give you the one and only true win my heart recipe.

1lb angel hair pasta
1jar diced pimentos
1 small can sliced black olives (if you really like her, get the whole ones and slice them yourself)
1 bunch green onions diced green and white parts
8 oz grated swiss cheese
1/4 c olive oil
salt and pepper to season

boil your pasta, chop your veggies, grate your cheese. drain the pasta, drizzle with olive oil, toss in veggies, sprinkle cheese, salt and pepper to season. put in nice bowl, server her favorite wine. play some new groovy music, light the candles, and win her heart.

we have had this with gouda, red onions, bacon, sautéed shrimp, chicken, and portabello mushrooms, rosemary, basil, parsley, and cilantro. the possibilities are endless, but you have got to always have the basics going on no matter what.

it brings us back every time we make it.