Creamy Dill Pasta with Smoked Salmon Rosettes...

This is one of those classic combination pasta dishes that is simple but also simply impressive. Smoked salmon slices are turned into rosettes and added to the delicious pasta like a decorative garnish. With leeks, baby tomatoes, spinach, capers and fresh dill cooked in white wine and cream, this is one pertyy plate on Valentine's Day to dish up for a romantic dinner twosome or a special dinner for family dearest.

My kids spent all night making Valentine cards and came home with a stash each.

Creamy Dill Pasta with Smoked Salmon Rosettes
Makes 6 servings

(454 g) large shell or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente and drained 

300 g smoked salmon slices
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 leek, white part only, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 to 3 Tbsp. capers, drained

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1/3 cup white wine, divided

1 cup baby tomatoes, halved

a handful baby spinach
1 cup half & half cream (table cream (10%))-- instead of using whipping cream to reduce fat

fresh dill, chopped

lemon for splashing
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

red onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Prepare the rosettes. Slice the salmon pieces diagonally in half. Roll up each half salmon slice and curl out the edges to form a rose. Place on a plate and refrigerate when ready to use.

If the centre end is loose, tuck it inside. 

A rose, is a rose, is a rose...

Prepare all the ingredients. Over medium-high heat, add to the skillet the oil and leeks. Cook and stir for one minute then add the capers and mustard. Stir, and pour in 2 Tbsp. white wine. Let simmer for a minute.

Add the tomatoes and dill, give it a stir then pour in the remaining 1/4 cup white wine. Let it cook for one minute, stirring a few times; add the cream. Bring to a simmer and add the spinach. Squeeze lemon juice and season to taste. Toss in the pasta and mix well until heated through.

Divide pasta into individual shallow dishes. Place smoked salmon rosettes in a cluster, and top with more dill, splashes of lemon and chopped red onion before serving!

We also had a side of garlic bread and roasted cauliflower and broccoli.

Bon Appétit! 

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day!