February 7 National Fettuccine Alfredo Day #FettuccineAlfredoDay

February 7th is National Fettuccine Alfredo Day #FettuccineAlfredoDay. Did you know Fettuccine Alfredo is one of my sister’s favorite meals. I’ve eaten this for years and its just been in the past year I’ve gotten Charlie to try Fettuccini Alfredo

. Now, Charlie loves it and ask for it all the time. Which is awesome because David likes Fettuccini Alfredo as well and it’s easy to make. Served with Salad and Garlic Bread and you’ve got a great meal. Don’t forget the Wine.

Fettuccini Alfredo doesn’t get the status as one of the most popular Pasta dishes created without good reason. Fettuccine Alfredo is an Italian (obviously) Pasta dish consisting of fresh Fettuccine tossed with Butter and Parmesan Cheese.

Fettuccini Alfredo is simple yet delicious and this meal is so tasty it deserves a day all to itself. Whether you are dining out or doing a spot of home cooking, make sure that Fettuccine Alfredo is on the menu on February 7th. 

Did you know the beginnings of  Fettuccine Alfredo can be traced back as far as the 15th Century, where there are records of Italian cook Martino da Como cooking Pasta with Butter and Cheese which was known as “Macaroni Romaneschi” or Roman Pasta.

Did you know the true inventor of Fettuccine Alfredo though is Alfredo Di Lelio. The Italian restaurateur was trying to entice his wife, Ines, to eat after giving birth to their first child Armando in 1908. Alfredo Di Lelio created a recipe that included a blend of Noodles, Cheese, and Butter, and in turn, created a delicious creamy texture.

Fettuccine Alfredo became a go-to meal for his wife and because the dish turned out so good, Di Lelio added it to the menu in his mother’s restaurant, Piazza Rosa. Fettuccine Alfredo became a massive hit and Piazza Rosa became known as the birthplace of Fettuccine Alfredo.

In 1914, Alfredo Di Lelio opened up his own restaurant in Rome called “Alfredo” and later opened up another restaurant with his son in 1950. In 1977, he opened up a version of the restaurant in New York City, where it became a popular hit.

 Fettuccine Alfredo first made its way to America in the 1920s. American travelers were returning home and reporting on  Fettuccine Alfredo to such an extent that the dish and Alfredo’s restaurant featured in multiple magazines and guidebooks.

 Fettuccine Alfredo popularity has only grown since, with chains including Olive Garden popularizing their own version. By 2005  Fettuccine Alfredo was so popular that it was given its own holiday and the first National Fettuccine Alfredo Day was celebrated.

How To Celebrate National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

1. On any Wish Lists your creating add a Pasta Machine. Making Noodles is easy and fun! The recipe is very simple, but you don’t have to stop there. Get creative and add Spinach or Zucchini and bcome a Noodle-making wizard!
2. Take the time today to purchase a Pasta Machine or purchase a Pasta machine and get ready to show off your skills and host a party! If you have the means and the chance take the opportunity to pop open a bottle of Chardonnay and invite your friends to witness the cooking process right in front of them.
3. Even if you don’t make the Pasta, making Fettuccine Alfredo is a “performance,” and that means sharing Fettuccini Alfredo with friends is fun. Gather everyone around the table and mix up a fabulous meal right before their eyes. Your friends and family will thank you for it.
4. here’s no need to stick with a single recipe. Get creative with the recipe your using for Fettuccine Alfredo and add Garlic and Capers which will add great flavor textures.
5. If you have the means and the opportunity add protein which goes great with nearly everything including Pan-seared Scallops or broiled Tuna.
6. Did you know Alfredo Sauce practically begs to be married with Crab or you could add Roasted Chicken, or get really crazy and do Surf and Turf with Crab and Chicken! You could also leave the Meat out and just serve Noddle’s and the Sauce and have a tasty meal couldn’t you?

Facts About National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

1. In 1908, Alfredo Di Lelio created Fettuccine Alfredo in his mother’s restaurant.
2. In Rome, Alfredo Di Lelio’s grandson Ines Di Lelio serves Fettuccine Alfredo at a place called Piazza Augusto Imperatore 30.
3. Ines Di Lelio celebrates National Fettuccine Alfredo Day every year in his restaurant.
4. Today, Piazza Rosa is a tourist attraction you can visit in Rome and many people travel there to visit this restaurant.
5. Did you know Fettuccine Alfredo gained more attention in the U.S. than it did in Italy?

Why People Love National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

Did you know Actors Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of their day? They were on their honeymoon when they tried Fettuccine Alfredo for the first time. Like most people, they fell in love on the spot.

They were so amazed they donated a golden fork and spoon set to the dish’s creator, Alfredo Di Lelio. Ever after he served his clients with the golden utensils. How many other dishes are worthy of golden cutlery? Not many do and I don’t know about you but I sure don’t = have golden spoons to donate but we can still love to eat Fettuccine Alfredo can’t we?

Making Fettuccine Alfredo is a performance which is not just for eating, it’s for watching. The recipe is so simple it can be assembled at the table in full view of the guests. Fettuccine Alfredo has been called, “Maestosissime Fettuccine all ‘Alfredo.” This translates into, “Most Majestic Fettuccine, Alfredo style.”

The preparation before guests has been described as a “Spectacle reminiscent of grand Opera.” Servers would raise the Noodles high in the air, displaying them in grand style before serving them. How often are dinner and a show one and the same thing? Never in the Italian restaurants we go to. How about you?

Did you know not every tasty food is also nutrient-packed. Fettuccine Alfredo provides 18 grams of protein and 30 percent of the daily recommended intake of calcium. Protein helps you immune system function and calcium is vital for bone strength and heart health. Like seeing your food? Fettuccine Alfredo provides plenty of vitamin A and that’s good for preventing blindness and infections.

Recipe for Fettuccini Alfredo

24 ounces dry fettuccine pasta

1 cup butter

¾ pint heavy cream

salt and pepper to taste

1 dash garlic salt

¾ cup grated Romano cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Melt butter into cream in a large saucepan over low heat; add salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
4. Increase the heat to medium; stir in grated Romano and Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened.
5. Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss until thoroughly coated; serve immediately.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates