Perfect Valentine's Eve Menu
Champagne Cocktail, Salmon Crepes and Dark Chocolate
If pulling together a Valentine's evening gives you sweaty palms, fear not- here's your step by step guide to a sizzling evening.
When pals hear of the dinner parties thrown Chez M+M (this writer and her husband's home) on many a Friday night- they puzzle in bewilderment saying, "How on earth do you find the time?" As everyone knows, you make time for what's important, and even if you're on the "bah hum bug" side of the Valentine fence, showing your loved one you care, needn't be reserved for February the 14th.
But for those of you who want to celebrate the evening, here are a few do-able ideas and recipes to give you a hand in setting a mood that best suits you and yours.
The Welcome Cocktail:
After a long day at work, or days spent with the kids, it’s always nice to know that someone took the time to decant a bottle of your favourite vino or make a picture perfect cocktail with your favourite flavour combinations. Champagne of course whispers “vien ici mon amour”- especially if it has a few embellishments like the ones suggested here. A pal recently brought me rosewater nectar (made with famed Bulgarian roses no less!)- perfect for infusing into a tall flute filled with chilled champagne topped off by a candied rose petal or two floating leisurely on top. Divine!
If you'd like a little samba with your cocktail, try one of Brazil's sexiest- the citrusy Caipirinha - perfect for heating things up South American style!
If you’re more of a straight forward wine guy or gal, there’s a lot to be said for the flavourful, full bodied bottles coming out of Chile. Click here for your mini-tutorial and enjoy!
Food of the Gods:
Moving on to more solid offerings, nothing says I Love You more than a well prepared meal (at least in this Valentine’s books!). You can start off with some elegant Smoked Salmon Crepes, especially if you’re a seafood fan. Delicate, delicious and easy to make.
If you’d rather go straight for some carnivorous offerings, this Steak with Chimichurri recipe will be sure to hit the spot (you pick the spot!).
Feel like sticking to seafood instead? OK, then try Chef Aurora’s Italian Zuppa de Pesce- brimming with mussels, shrimp and lobster, many say these are some of nature’s own aphrodisiacs.
Sweet Endings:
Speaking of which, here are a few good reasons to indulge in chocolate- the dark kind this Valentine’s Day (and night!).
And in case you’re looking for some of the best around, click here to discover why Vere Chocolates are some of the best for you and your taste buds.
It seems only fitting that we end up where we begin, by offering those non-chocoholics a drinkable dessert instead. Click here to create your very own. From creamy to dreamy, the options are good to the last drop!
And have a very happy Valentine's Day, Eve, week, or weekend- you ole romantic you!
