Valentines dinner

It’s that time of year again when alluring shades of pinks and reds dominate fashion trends, hearts and roses appear on everything humanly possible, and chocolate sales shoot through the roof. Not to mention, restaurants see an ever-increasing boost in net profit during that week of February 14. But amongst all the “love that’s in the air,” ironically, the chaotic bustling of buying your honey a thoughtless, last-minute gift or making spur-of-the-moment, 10 p.m. dinner reservations (because that was the only time available) can make for one very stressful holiday. If not planned properly, your Valentine’s Day can quickly turn into a melted mess of chocolate….. unless you’re having fondue, in which case melted chocolate is meant to be messily enjoyed.

But in essence, Valentine’s Day doesn’t necessarily have to be so taxing. Instead of buying your sweetheart the whole Valentine’s Day package, why not take the DIY approach? What’s more romantic than couples cooking together or surprising a special someone with a home cooked meal? Ladies, there’s nothing wrong with surprising your man with a fancy feast, and gentlemen, you most certainly can take the heat of the kitchen…. at least just for one night.

-Yes, it’s still okay to purchase Valentine’s Day cards to exchange at the dinner table; but, you might as well make the whole night a DIY experience and craft your own. My friend Alex has the perfect ideas for making these adorable cards. Check out her Valentine’s Day post! And although my Valentine’s Day theme has a home-maker flair, the expectation of a bouquet of roses will always be expected. Sorry, gentlemen. –

Cooking with aphrodisiacs is a given on Valentine’s Day, whether you’re cooking for or with your significant other, or just cooking for yourself. Oysters, artichokes, hot chili peppers, avocados, chocolate, pomegranates, red wine, vanilla, garlic, figs, cardamom, ginger, salmon, just to touch on a few – allegedly, the chemical components in each of these ingredients release endorphins in the brain, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.

All my single ladies and gents, we know we can be a bit pessimistic and “ba-hum-bug” on the big heart day, but there’s really no need, especially when you can whip up a delicious meal, or perhaps just a sinful dessert, for yourself. Even so, riding solo is the perfect opportunity to practice your culinary skills for that special someone you hope to meet one day.

Here’s a tasty Valentine’s Day menu I’ve conjured up, suitable for both couples and singles alike. All you need is a candle-lit table and a decent bottle of red wine to accompany:

• Appetizer: raw oysters with a dash of Tabasco and a twist of lemon.
• Second course: a salad of crisp Brussels sprout leaves, peppery arugula, marinated artichoke hearts, shaved Parmesan, and halved grape tomatoes tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. For the vinaigrette, whisk two parts extra virgin olive oil with one part freshly squeezed lemon juice, roasted garlic, salt, and black pepper.
• Main course: grilled salmon fillets topped with an avocado-pomegranate-jalapeno salsa. Drizzle the salmon fillets with extra virgin olive oil and gently grill on both sides until the internal temperature reads 140F. For the salsa, toss freshly diced avocado with minced jalapeno, minced shallot, freshly squeezed lime juice, fresh pomegranate seeds, salt, and black pepper.
• Dessert: vanilla-star anise poached pears with a dark chocolate drizzle. Bring a large pot of water with two cups of sugar to a low simmer. Gently drop in two peeled, slightly unripe Anjou pears. Add two split vanilla beans and one star anise pod. Allow the pears to simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Serve hot with melted dark chocolate drizzled on top.

So, is the quickest way to the heart really through the stomach? I guess we’ll have to find out…..