SERIOUSLY. Do couples really want to go out this Valentine’s Day? So all right, special takes the extra step. But just in case some prefer to stay indoors away from all the hustle and bustle of the city—traffic and all—here’s a menu suggestion to make the meal “Valenterrific!”
APPETIZER
Vegetable dip. This light and healthy appetizer is a perfect start for a hearty meal. One can either put the dip on a separate bowl or top off the cut vegetables with it. There’s nothing more romantic than giving one’s partner a nourishing meal that’s good for the body and even better for the heart.
MAIN
Barbecue Seasoned Ribs. At least, some amount of effort should be exerted to show love for the love month. This is one of the easiest yet quite sophisticated style of cooking those tender ribs. Marinate the ribs in barbecue marinade for approximately five hours before cooking it in the oven. After marinating the meat, cook this in 300 F in the preheated oven for two long hours. Don’t rush-—both love and ribs take time. Afterward, brush the sizzling meat with some barbecue sauce.
PASTAS
Prawn Pasta. Niño Martin Regis is sous chef at Cocina de la Casa. “My personal choice is our Prawn Pasta. It is something light, rather than rich and heavy, with a hint of spice, just the right stimulant to kick off the romantic adventure ahead.” JRN
Vodka Cream Pasta. For a Valentine staycation, try making this vodka cream pasta as recommended by celebrity cook Rachael Ray. On a large skillet over medium heat, sautee garlic and shallots in oil and butter. Add vodka and reduce by half, about two to three minutes. Add chicken stock and tomatoes, bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Stir cream into sauce, bring to a bubble and remove from heat. Toss hot cooked pasta with sauce and basil leaves.
DRINK
Mimosa. A little buzz can make the atmosphere much more relaxed, making way for great conversations. A great drink to pair with dinner or perhaps as aperitif is a glass of mimosa, a drink that can do no wrong plus it’s super easy to make. Prepare two champagne glasses. Break out the chilled champagne. Pour at least 2 and 1/2 oz of the sparkling liquid into the glass, then get some chilled orange juice and pour in 2 and 1/2 oz as well. Make sure both ingredients are well chilled before mixing.
DESSERT
Homemade Chocolate Fondue. Talk about no-brainers! It’s got a fancy ring to it but this type of dessert is quick to make. The most basic step is simply to melt the chocolate of one’s choice on the stove. From there, it all depends on what other ingredients one wants to add to give it a richer flavor like butter, more milk or cream for instance. Stir occasionally until it’s smooth. Now start the fun by dipping different kinds of fruits like strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and other fun dippers.