Carmela Soprano's Uova in Purgatorio - Eggs in Purgatory / Valentine's Day Traditions

Happy Valentine's Day!

January's flower is the carnation.

The carnation should have been the flower for February.

The deeper red carnation represent true and lasting love.

Deep pink and light red symbolize a relationship full of admiration and respect.

In Korea, young girls braid three carnations in their hair so they'll be lucky in love.

Live outside of Korea but you're looking for love?

Place two red carnations in a white vase in the 'Romance' area of your main floor.

That's the southwest corner.

Change these to two fresh carnations every nine days for a total of three times.

During that month you just might find a new love.

Well, for sure the florist will love you!

I already posted a few possible Valentine dinners

- Filet Mignon, Shrimp Scampi and Veal Scaloppine -

as well as a possible dessert, Ricotta-Pineapple Pie, with links to other cheesecakes.

Hope you found something you'll enjoy.

Or maybe you'll be eating out.

Whichever, Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Tomorrow's the first Friday in Lent.

Time to cut back the eating just a bit.

Paulie Walnuts' chapter My Nucci in Artie's The Sopranos Family Cookbook has easy recipes.

Some are perfect for Lent.

Or a quick cheap lunch.

Don't forget Paulie's advice about garlic.

The man knows his garlic.

Here's how Paulie gently adds eggs to the sauce:

He breaks an egg into a small cup.

With a spoon, he then makes a small depression in the tomato sauce.

Then he slides the egg into the sauce.

And he continues with the remaining eggs.

If you're in a rush, you can break all the eggs in a medium bowl and

gently slide a yolk and some white into the sauce.

Just don't tell Paulie.

                        Uova in Purgatorio

Serves 4

Into a medium skillet over medium heat pour

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Cook

1 garlic clove, lightly crushed

cook about 2 minutes, until lightly golden.

Add

2 Cups canned tomato puree

4 fresh basil leaves torn into pieces (or a pinch of dried oregano)

salt and pepper to taste

Simmer for 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Discard the garlic clove.

Gently add

8 large eggs

Sprinkle over eggs

1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Cover and cook 3 minutes, more or less,

depending on how well done you like your eggs.

Serve hot.

Would I make Uova in Purgatorio again?

Sure.  It's a nice lunch with toast, rice or pasta.

If you're really into garlic, garlic toast.

Just maybe not on Valentine's Day.

One recipe down.  Forty-one more to go.