Valentine Mood-Setting Recipes & Tips
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
(makes 2 servings)
6 large ripe strawberries, preferably with long stems attached
3 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse the berries and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips on 50% (medium) power for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth (if not completely melted, microwave a few seconds longer). Or melt the chocolate according to package directions.
- Holding a strawberry by the stem, dip into the chocolate to cover about half of the berry. Lay on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all strawberries are coated. Chill until set.
- Arrange 3 strawberries on each dessert plate and serve.
Per serving: 92 calories (42% calories from fat), 1 g protein, 5 g total fat (2.8 g saturated fat), 14 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 2 mg sodium, 147 mg potassium
Chocolate Liqueur Fondue
This recipe is great with just about any fruit and also with pieces of Angel Food or Pound Cake. It is very versatile and just about any spirit will work.
12 oz. Chocolate Chips
2/3 C Sour Cream
1/4 C Liqueur
1/4 C 1/2 & 1/2
Melt over low heat and stir until smooth.
Tips
Bourbon and chocolate have a natural affinity.
Coffee liqueur, Creme de Menthe, Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier are just a few liqueurs that will work well.
Try experimenting with different types of chips like white or butterscotch.
Romantic Finger Foods
Food is always advisable when consuming alcohol. Munching or brunching is the most fun and romantic. To compliment the aphrodisiac theme, I suggest including some of these foods; mushrooms, oysters, celery, avocado, black olives, asparagus, strawberries and of course chocolate.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Choose the largest caps you can find. Wash and remove stems.
Stuff with...
- A smoked oyster and sharp cheddar cheese
- Stovetop instant stuffing
- Bacon bits, bread crumbs, grated onion, dry vermouth, and parmesan cheese
Cook at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes.
Canapé
A canapé is basically
anything spread on a base. So chips and dip would even be
classified as a canapé. This is not traditional however and we
will explore a few tastier options.
Romantic Lobster Dinner
Citrus Feta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette ~ Steamed or Broiled Lobster & Stuffed Potatoes ~ Chocolate Desire
Chocolate Desire
This dessert is a cross between brownies and pudding and is baked in small custard cups or ramekins.
4 oz German chocolate
8 tb butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp mint extract
1 cup sugar
Confectioner's Sugar or Vanilla Ice Cream & chocolate sauce
- Heat oven to 350. Place a baking pan (one that will hold all of your custard cups) half full of water in the oven to warm.
- Melt chocolate and butter over double boiler or in microwave. Be careful not to burn chocolate.
- Double sift together all the dry ingredients except sugar and set aside.
- Beat eggs and mint until foamy and light. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Stir in chocolate-butter mixture. Fold in dry ingredients. Pour in to four to six custard cups, depending on size of cups. Fill to almost to the top of cup. Place in baking pan, water should come about half way up the side of cup.
- Bake for 30 min. or until it has risen to just above the rim and tops are cracked. They should be firm to the touch. Let cool 5 min. and serve with dusting of powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. This dessert can be reheated in the microwave.
Whole Lobster
(You might be able to have your whole lobster have steamed the store for free.)
You'll need a pot large enough to be able to cover the entire lobster(s) in boiling water.
Bring water to boil and add a pinch of salt and pepper and add lobster.
Cook for 7-9 minutes per pound.
Broiled Lobster Tail:
2 lobster tails
lemon juice
white wine
garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
- Mix last 6 ingredient together to form marinade.
- Place lobster tails in small glass baking dish and pour marinade over them.
- Let marinade in refrigerator for several hours or over night.
- When you are ready to broil the lobster tail, remove from marinade
- and place upside down on cutting board. Cut lobster using kitchen shears or sharp knife up center, from top to end of tail to split open.
- Broil for 7-9 mins per pound. Garnish with lemon wedge and melted garlic butter.
Stuffed Potatoes
6 baked potatoes (oven or microwave)
3 to 4 tb butter
3 tb hot cream (or milk)
1 tsp salt
1 tb horse radish (very optional!)
2 egg whites
1/2 cup graded cheddar cheese
Paprika
- Cut potatoes in half length wise (so they look like little boats). Scoop out pulp with small spoon, leave just enough to hold skins together. Add butter, cream, salt, horse radish, to pulp and beat until smooth.
- Whip egg whites until stiff and gently fold into potato mixture.
- Refill petite shells with mixture and top with cheese and paprika.
- Broil until cheese melts. Half recipe for two people or enjoy the rest with another meal.
Citrus Feta Salad with Red Wine Dressing
Salad:
3 cups Bibb lettuce
1 cup radicchio
1 small can mandarin oranges (reserve liquid)
1 small can pineapple (reserve liquid)
8 kalamata olives
1/2 cup feta cheese
Combine salad ingredients in large bowl.
Vinaigrette:
2 tb mandarin orange juice (reserved from can)
2 TB pineapple juice (reserved from can)
2 TB red wine vinegar (or sherry)
1 TB capers
2 t extra virgin olive oil
1 t Dijon mustard
1/2 t sugar
1/4 t freshly ground pepper
1 clove minced garlic
Combine ingredients and stir well with whisk. Pour over salad and toss well.
Setting the mood
Dig through your music collection to find a selection of your favorite songs. Be sure to include the first memorable song you heard together, and if you are married, the one you danced to at your wedding. Find a small tablecloth to put over your coffee table, and add some candles, and extra pillows for lounging.
What is more romantic or seductive than a perfectly made cocktail served in a long stemmed glass? Someone to share it with, of course!
Champagne and Wine Cocktails are elegant served in long stemmed flutes. These cocktails are easy to prepare, and don't require any real skills to prepare. Just chill your ingredients and, you've got it made with the right glasses, and preparation. Pre-cut any garnishes to have ready. Get a couple clean towels, a champagne bucket or an ice bucket. Wrap your champagne bottle around the top with one of the towels. Pop your cork, pour your ingredients, then top with champagne. Twist the bottle at the end of your pour, and set back down into your ice container. Add your garnish, and serve your partner.
Martinis for two, served in chilled cocktail glasses are to me, the essence of romance. Of course, a properly shaken Martini needs the proper mood. "A dry martini you always shake to waltz time" - Nick in The Thin Man, (One, two, three..., One, two three... Got it?) Well, of course, there are those that prefer to stir... For these, you'll need to have a martini pitcher and glass stirrer.
Whichever you choose, remember, the art of preparing it is key to the romance. Try to prepare your drinks in front of the recipient. Use only the freshest of ingredients. Set the mood with music and lighting. And don't forget a toast to love!
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