If you have left your house in the last few weeks, you must know that there's something in the air: LOVE! You can't walk into a store without seeing hearts, chocolate, and everything else related to Valentine's Day. This is definitely not my favorite time of the year, but for others, who have significant others, it can be a great time to show appreciation, affection, etc.
You know that expression "those who can't do, teach?" It sort of applies to this post. Not having a special someone to cook dinner for (I know I'm special, but I'm talking about that other person), I decided to share my ideas with two of my friends at work and design Valentine's day menus for them. Both of the menus are relatively simple: it's not about making an elaborate meal, it's about spending the time with the people you care about. In fact, either one of these meals would be perfect for a family dinner any night of the week.
Menu #1 (this is for a beginner cook)
1) store bought appetizers (hummus, chips, dips, etc.)
2) chicken with garlic, capers and lemon juice
3) home-made mashed potatoes (with optional additions of cheese or fresh herbs)
4) roasted asparagus with lemon juice (with optional addition of fresh grated Parmesan)
5) fruit dipped into melted chocolate or/and boxed brownies "spiked up" with nuts/orange zest/chocolate chips served with ice cream
Menu #2 (this is for a slightly advanced cook whose boyfriend barely has any kitchen utensils...the entire meal can be cooked in one roasting pan)
1) salmon topped with a mixture of olives, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, olive oil and lemon juice
2) roasted red potatoes
3) roasted asparagus
4) macaroons with Dark Chocolate & Almonds (this can be done at least a day ahead)
I can't wait to hear how these meals turn out! If either one of the people take photos and would like to share them with me, I'll definitely post them.
What are you cooking for Valentine's Day?
P.S. If you want specific recipes/directions, please email me, and I'd be happy to share them with you!
11 comments:
my boyfriend has requested beef enchiladas. i was going to attempt Beef Wellington but he's on a mexican kick right now. too bad he does not like any sides like refried beans or guacamole or mex rice. i'm going to have to think about the sides now... as for dessert, i'm going to make our daring baker's challenge. for once i'd like to tackle the challenge early!
Uhhh....
I can feel that too!
Menu sounds really impressive Olga.
Cheers,
Elra
Those are great menus! We're actually going out this year. Restaurant in Middleburg called Hilltoppers - our fav 5-star chef (previously from the Dining Room at the Woodlands) just moved there and we're excited what he'll have for us.
i definitely want to do the macaroons for passover!
Hi there...
You are such a wonderful helpful friend. You took the time to help others to organise their Valentine mal. But to me, the most important thing is to cook with love and to enjoy the food with someone we love, that's more meaningful, don't you think so? ;) Take care!
I just saw you in some of the other cooking blogs I visit in the comments and thought I would drop in. Sorry if that bothered you!
www.aduckinherpond.com.
Those macaroons sound amazing! Nice meal plans- I especially like the "one roasting pan" option :)
I'm not cooking anything for Valentine's day- we're going to be at a wedding, so it'll probably taste better than anything I make anyway!
Olga,
I found your blog through Gera at Sweetstuff's round-up! You have a nice space here. I scrolled down and read that you won a ticket to the Share our Strength event, that is so exciting! I live nowhere near any of the events so didn't enter, but I will live vicariously through your blog post come June. It's so nice to find your blog!
Those two menus seem amazing I think I'll go with the second one!
Your blog is beautiful!
Thanks for the suggestion, Olga! I'll tell you how things turn out...I mean we are meeting up for lunch and all:)
The girls and I have a tradition of making a fun 6 or 7 course meal of tiny plates of food. This year we made:
Mini red pepper heart-shaped pizzas
Tomato soup
Caesar salad with heart-shaped garlic croutons
Peach and strawberry sorbet
Heart-shaped sliders with heart-shaped baked fries
Cream puffs (plain and chocolate covered, both with pink cream filling)
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