Tipping the Scales--Fettucini Alfredo Day

I honestly think, the month of February should be declared as the National Go Off Your Diet month.
We can kick off the event, and tipping the scales by celebrating World Nutella Day.



One of my favorite days of the year. Who can possibly resist this sweet, dark hazelnut spread? Yes, I admit it, I'm clearly addicted. In fact, I can be in Nutella heaven just licking it off my fingers each morning before it even reaches my toast. You simply won't want to miss this event! Hundreds of absolutely delicious recipes for you to indulge in. World Nutella Day

Then, there is today, February 7th, in addition to Big Game Sunday,this being the second largest snack day of the year..second only to New Year. Super Bowl Sunday is the time to break out the snacks and enjoy the biggest football game of the year. Sure you can try to burn some of those extra calories cheering hard for your fave team, but that won't cut it if you plan to load your plate up with fried potato skins and cheesy processed dips, followed by what else? Oh yeah! Can after can of beer.

Now just stop a minute here, don't even think about jumping on that scale until after you finish celebrating National Fettucini Alfredo Day!


Would I kid you? Today is in fact the day to really cheat on your diets.

Fettuccini Alfredo has become one of those dishes that everybody makes, and everybody makes a bit differently. To my way of thinking, this indicates the dish is a good one, since everybody adapts it to their own taste (like a macaroni salad). So I can't honestly say there is just one authentic recipe for Fettuccini Alfredo, but I can say that this recipe seems to embody the 'original' concept, but a richer version where a cream sauce lends itself to a glorious pasta dish.



I made this earlier this week as a side dish for five guests. I suppose 'in moderation' is the key like anything else. And just around the corner, Valentines Day. Yikes! But if we tack on an extra five miles of walking each day for the month, we can easily partake in these festivities, somewhat guilt-free!






1 lb fettuccini
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano,plus extra cheese to pass at the table
1/2 cup heavy cream, lightly whipped
a pinch of ground nutmeg
Sea salt and white pepper
Optional* roasted chicken breast, sliced, steamed broccoli florets

Timing is crucial for this dish. Ideally, the pasta and the sauce should be ready at the same time.

Cook fettucini in boiling, salted water to al dente stage.While the fettucine is cooking, place butter in a pan large enough to hold the sauce and all the pasta together, and melt over low heat.
Slowly add lightly-whipped cream to the pan, whisking continually.
Stir continuously until the sauce is hot and slightly reduced.
Still stirring, add grated cheese and nutmeg.
The sauce should thicken and yet be smooth
Add salt and pepper to taste. (At this point, pasta should be cooked)
Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix well. Toss in some chicken slices and steamed broccoli and toss once more. Serve with grated Parmesan to pass at the table.
Enjoy--
Now, Are you nearly as full as I am? And we're only halfway through the month. GO for that walk! :)