By the time we are over 40, we've learned that the way to a man's heart (especially on Valentine's Day) is through his stomach. How many of us want to give something to our sweethearts that is sumptuously good and act like we made it ourselves? ME, for one!

Forget the crowded, over-priced restaurants this year, try these old-world recipes to spice up your romantic dinner for two this Valentine's Day! Or any day, for that matter.

 

Dolce Nonna, is home of the New York Times vetted and delicious, artisanal, all-natural, hand-packed food products ranging from marinated Agri-Dolce Peppers (yummy on a sandwich!) to Marinated String Beans and Eggplants.  


Founded by Gisela Civale in 2005

Dolce Nonna was created both in honor of Gisela's grandmother, Maria DiGiorgio, and her authentic Italian recipes, as well as to offer an alternative to the unhealthy junk food chock full of citric acid and preservatives on the supermarket shelves.  Dolce Nonna has decided to take action and bring the old way of eating back to the present day!
 

Dolce Nonna products are delicious, affordable gourmet items that can be eaten right out of the jar, or passed off as if you slaved in the kitchen yourself!

Dolce Nonna is proud to use only the finest all natural ingredients including the highest quality extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, Sicilian oregano, garlic, spices and produce in products that are authentic, old-world reproductions of gourmet marinated food goods.

They currently offer three items:

• Agri-Dolce Peppers:  Utilizing an old-world Italian recipe, Gisella pickles and marinates select red peppers in vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for a tangy, bittersweet flavor that'll tickle your taste-buds.  She seals them up tight in boiling hot oil, which cooks the peppers to perfection.

• Marinated String Beans:  Pickled and marinated in vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for a crunchy, garlicky, and tangy taste, they'll perk up any salad, pasta, or meat dish.  And are simply delicious in a sandwich.  Consider them a healthy snack alone, too.

• Marinated Eggplant:  Fresh premium eggplants are marinated in vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, then pickled to perfection for a flavorful pungent taste.  Eat'em right out of the jar, for starters!  Or mix it up a bit as a side dish with meat or pasta, too.  Gisella's sure they perk up just about any meal.

If you know what's good for you AND your honey, you will pull some of these goodies out on Valentine's Day or any day!!