Everyone knows a surefire way to impress your date is to prove you know your way around a kitchen. Sadly, many have also experienced the stress of trying to keep red sauce from flying all over their clothes, the table, and their date as they slurp up spaghetti noodles. Italian food is romantic. Red sauce stains are not. So make mizithra cheese spaghetti instead!

I first tried this dish at the Spaghetti Factory and realized I could make an easy imitation. Mizithra cheese spaghetti is simple enough for even beginner cooks, but your date doesn't need to know that. It is a delicious, impressive alternative to basic red sauce spaghetti. The browned butter and cheese make for a rich, Italian flavor without all the stress.

Step 1: Ingredients

1. Enough spaghetti noodles for each person (a serving size is a bunch of noodles about the diameter of a quarter)

2. A wedge of mizithra cheese

3. Butter (1/4 cup per person)

And if you really want to make things complicated, you can add

4. Parsley to garnish

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. You can sprinkle in some salt for flavor if you'd like.

When the water is at a rapid boil, add the spaghetti noodles. Cook noodles until they reach your desired consistency.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

Browning butter is a great way to bring out a nice, nutty flavor.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring or swirling the pan occasionally.

As the butter cooks, it will change color from yellow to tan to brown. When the butter is brown (it will smell nutty and delicious), pull it off the heat and pour it into another container, leaving the dregs at the bottom of the pan behind.