Staying home for Valentine’s Day can be just as romantic as
dining out
Chocolate, wine, a red rose
– these have long been symbols of the perfect Valentine’s Day
celebration.
But don’t think that Valentine’s Day has to be celebrated at a
fancy restaurant or by giving a gold box of assorted chocolate and
long-stemmed red roses. With a little time and some imagination,
the best Valentine’s Day could be one created in your own home.
Staying home for Valentine’s Day can be just as romantic as dining out
Chocolate, wine, a red rose – these have long been symbols of the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration.
But don’t think that Valentine’s Day has to be celebrated at a fancy restaurant or by giving a gold box of assorted chocolate and long-stemmed red roses. With a little time and some imagination, the best Valentine’s Day could be one created in your own home.
Food has long been recognized as having a magical power over loved ones. Use this natural aphrodisiac to set the stage for romance by creating a living room picnic. Clear the coffee table and decorate it with a simple white linen cloth, a few scattered rose petals and some candles. Show your partner how much you care with a home-cooked meal, complete with champagne and strawberries (or for an added touch, drop a few pomegranate seeds into the glass to tint the champagne pink).
Since it is Valentine’s Day, create your menu with romance in mind. One example, according to Nina Calloway, the wedding adviser for about.com, is to include spicy foods on your menu, as those will increase heart rate and make cheeks flush. Another good idea is to include foods which can be hand fed to each other.
After you eat, cuddle up on the couch with a romantic movie. If you are not sure what movie to watch, the History Channel offers a selection of the greatest romance movies ever made. When the movie is finished, retreat to the bedroom and give each other an in-home massage using scented lotions or infused oils.
If you have children, try to find a family member or close friend who would be willing to watch the kids for a few hours so you and your significant other can spend some quality alone time together.
Fresh Figs with Rosemary Goat Cheese
(Courtesy of Gourmet magazine)
1-1/4 c. soft mild goat cheese at room temperature
½ c. heavy cream
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tbsp. honey
1 lb. fresh figs
In a bowl whisk together all ingredients except figs until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Rosemary goat cheese may be made one day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring goat cheese to cool room temperature before serving.
Mound goat cheese into the center of a platter. Halve figs and arrange around goat cheese for dipping. If fresh figs are difficult to find, an alternative would be toasts or crackers spread with fig or peach preserves. If opting for preserves, use only half the honey called for in the goat cheese mixture.
Beef Medallions in Red Wine Sauce
(Courtesy of Nina Calloway)
10-12 oz beef tenderloin
coarse salt and pepper
2-3 tbsp. butter
1-2 large shallots (about 1/3 c.), minced
¾ c. sliced mushrooms
½ tbsp. sugar
½ tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp. thyme
½ tsp. rosemary
½ tbsp. flour
¾ c. beef broth
¾ c. dry red wine
Cut the tenderloin into six equal pieces and flatten each piece using a mallet or heavy weight until each piece is ¼-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tbsp. of butter over med-high heat. Add the beef, in batches if necessary, and saute until outside is brown but inside is still very pink, about two minutes on each side. Add remaining butter to skillet, and when melted, add mushrooms and shallots. Saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over the mixture, and cook until deep brown, about four minutes longer. Add vinegar, garlic, herbs, and flour and stir one minute, until liquid is absorbed. Add broth and wine, and bring to a boil. Cook until liquid is thickened and reduced to about ½ c. Return beef to the pan, and heat through, about one minute. Arrange beef on plate and spoon sauce and mushrooms over.
Chocolate Fondue
(Courtesy of Rhonda Parkinson)
Pineapple, strawberries and kiwi fruit for dipping
6 oz. semisweet chocolate
½ c. whipping cream
2 tsp. Kirsch brandy, Grand Marnier or rum, to taste
If you have a double boiler, melt the whipping cream and chocolate in the top half of the boiler. If not, half-fill a heavy saucepan with water and heat until barely simmering.
Place the chocolate and whipping cream in a metal bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the simmering water. Turn the heat down to low and melt the chocolate with the whipping cream, stirring constantly and making sure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
Pour the mixture into a ceramic pot made for dessert fondues and stir in the brandy or rum. Keep warm on low heat. Use a dipping fork to draw the pineapple and kiwi fruit slices into the warm chocolate.
