[image from Bon Appetit - Strawberry and White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes]
This Valentine’s Day avoid the early seating’s, parking lot wars and overpriced pre-fixed menus by staying in! Although dinning out can seem easier, more appealing and sometimes more intimate, cooking together offers a lot of perks as well. You and your sweet heart will get in some quality alone time, while working as a team, perhaps trying something new and creating something you’ll both enjoy and be proud of.
In the spirit of your love for each other, and our love for good food, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite ‘date night’ recipes, perfect for the upcoming holiday!
Appetizers to Admire & Adore
Set the mood and start the night off right with these tasty appetizers. The French Onion Soup will warm your souls on a chilly February night, but if H’or Douvers are the way to your heart these Stuffed Mushrooms will leave you feeling anything but empty.
French Onion Soup: http://www.canadianliving.com/food/french_onion_soup.php
Stuffed Mushrooms: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/baked-mushrooms-stuffed-with-ricotta-funghi-al-forno-ripieni-di-ricotta/#v0O8gbFidAQdSywf.97
Seductively Simple Entrees
Because we are a little bit biased, our favourite love day meals all feature beef! We’ve kept them simple though, no brushing off the BBQ for the steaks or roasting the tenderloin for hours in the oven – these cuts are all cooked in a skillet and can be prepped and finished in under 45 minutes. Pair them with a Cabernet Sauvignon for a match made in heaven.
Pan Seared Striploin: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pan-seared-strip-steak-with-red-wine-pan-sauce-and-pink-peppercorn-butter
Beef Tenderloin Medallions: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/beef-tenderloin-medallions-with-potato-risotto
Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon: http://www.marthastewart.com/337115/pepper-crusted-filet-mignon
Sides That Will Leave You Smitten
Just like you and your love, the main dishes we picked out need a companion to keep them company. If you consider yourself more of a classic soul, the Mashed Potato with Herb Infused cream is for you. Looking to heat things up? The Spicy Roasted Potatoes will do just that! And for salad lovers out there, we think the Pomegranate Dressing featured in this Kale dish will have you tickled pink.
Mashed Potatoes: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/mashed-potatoes-with-herb-infused-cream-and-chives.html
Spicy Roasted Potatoes: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/spicy-roasted-potatoes-yogurt.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH
Kale Salad: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/kale-with-pomegranate-dressing-and-ricotta-salata
Sweets For Your Sweetheart
We can’t imagine celebrating the years sweetest holiday without a little sugar. Whether you pick the Chocolate Covered Strawberries or the Mini White Chocolate Cheesecakes, there will most definitely be love in the air for these two small sweet treats.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo-jr/chocolate-covered-strawberries-recipe.html
Mini Cheesecakes: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/strawberry-and-white-chocolate-mini-cheesecakes
