A local Hallmark store in our area is going out of business.
The Sign read the entire store is 50-75%
off!!! There was no way I could pass up the bargain. Once inside I realized that
ALMOST everything was on sale. They were not going to discount their “claim to
fame” trademark day, which just happens to be my most favorite holiday of the
year…Valentine’s Day! I Love it more than Christmas and I look forward to it
more than My Birthday. I didn't mind too much because in our house there are no
expectations of Fancy gifts, $5 cards, or where we can get the best
reservation. This is a day of LOVE and true love doesn't require any of those
things. It is simply showing the ones you value most in this crazy world that
you care. It’s about saying thank you to the ones that love you, as much as you
do them. I feel the best way to do this
is by giving yourself. That can mean a lot of things to a lot of people but to
me it’s just taking in the moments and appreciating the small acts of
sweetness. That could be leaving a few homemade cupcakes on the doorstep of a
friend, making heart shaped everything for your child's lunch box or leaving a
love note on your husbands bathroom mirror. Valentine’s Day is turning your phone and the
TV off. It’s making dinner TOGETHER and lingering over dessert. Dance parties in
the kitchen and opening hand-made cards. It doesn't hurt that it’s the only
time of year that it is perfectly acceptable to drench my house in all things
PINK!!!!
Last January we took a cooking class together and we had so
much fun that we decided that we would start a new Valentine’s Day tradition. We are going to recreate that meal and experience every year. There is no need to drive to the hood of LA and drink wine in our car while praying the cooking studio would open before we were dead. This is Simple enough that it’s not
daunting for the handsome guy making a special appearance in your kitchen. Adding sparkling wine to the night makes it even more fun! J
Mocha Rubbed Steak
Equal amounts fine ground coffee (I use espresso) and cocoa
powder – about 2 tbsp each
Salt and pepper your favorite cut of steak
Dredge in the mocha mixture
Then cook. Technique and timing will depend on cut and
thickness but I generally like to use a grill pan or cast iron. Sear on both
sides on high heat and then finish in the oven for a few minutes. But however
you cook your steak is fine. Just let it rest for a few mins before you slice
it.
Potatoes Au Gratin
(served in tiny personal heart
shaped ramekins of course)
Thinly slice a potato and sprinkle with salt and pepper-a
mandolin makes easy work of this
Grate ¼ cup of your favorite cheese monterey Jack and cheddar
work well and so do gouda and parm
Layer starting with potatoes and ending with cheese in a
dish that is been buttered or sprayed with olive oil.
Pour a little half and half over the layered potatoes until you
reach about 3/4’s of the way up the dish. For me this was about 2-3 Tbsp
Top with a tiny amount of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Bake @ 400 until golden brown and cooked through about 15-20
mins
This year instead of the normal roasted corn and kale
chowder (very tasty and has no cream! will make and post soon) and red velvet brownies I think I want to mix
it up and try a wedge salad I saw Giada make this weekend. We will probably follow dinner with a healthy
rift on flourless chocolate cake. As soon as I test the recipe I will post the link if its good. If it fails...we will just drink more sparkling wine :)
Happy Love Day!!!
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