Tagliolini with Red Caviar

Dramatic, isn't it??

And it has equally splashy ingredients. Lemon Zest. Vodka. Heavy Cream. Not just any old pasta but tagliolini. And of course the red caviar, which believe it or not, you can usually find in the supermarket without taking out a second mortgage.

This is a dish that I make every once in a long while, because it is so over the top, so rich, and because by the time I roll it out again it enough time has passed that I get the full impact of its splashiness. It is a showstopper of a dish, and sometimes that just what is called for. It is sexy and romantic and out of this world...just like the person I made it for.

I think that is all I need to say about this one.

TAGLIOLINI WITH CAVIAR, adapted from Open House Cookbook

Serves 2 romantic people

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest of one lemon
• 3/4 cup bottled clam juice
• 1/8 cup vodka
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 pound tagliolini (or linguine if you can't find tagliolini. Although you can order it from Amazon, we discovered.)
• 3 ounces red caviar

1. Heat butter and oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes/ Add lemon zest, clam juice and vodka and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes.

2. Put pasta on to boil.

3. Meantime, stir the cream into the sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm until the pasta is ready.

4. Drain pasta and toss with the sauce to coat well. Divide amount plates and top with a heaping spoonful of caviar.

5. Serve and eat slowly and rapturously with someone you are crazy about.