Romantic Menu Ideas
Posted in Culture Bites on 13. Feb, 2010
This morning, my mom and I sat together having a cup of coffee and some much-needed girl talk.
“I know why you don’t make a big deal about it. I know why you’re not romantic,” she said. “Two words: Dale Hammer.”
“OMG MOM. THAT WAS FIFTEEN YEARS AGO.”
Allow me to explain.
Meet six-year-old Alex. A diva, even then. What boy could resist such awkward, sparkly magnificence? Dale Hammer, that’s who.
I had my very first crush and it was a doozy. Freckle face, knobbly knees…what a dreamboat! With all the wide-eyed innocence of a romantic tenderfoot, I set out to make The Very Best Valentine’s Day Card Ever. Elmer’s glue was involved, as well as approximately 7000 pounds of glitter and a special pair of wacky craft scissors.When it came time to pass out the cards, everyone in the class would know who meant business about l-o-v-e.
I think you know where this is going.
Sure, I could blame my parents for encouraging me, but let’s face it – a bit of the hopeless romantic died that day. Apparently, six year old boys do not like lace-edged cards, or little girls. I’m pretty sure my rejection involved some discussion about cooties.
WHATEVER DUDE. I’M OVER IT. THANKS FOR STAMPING ON MY TINY BABY HEART.
(I’ve since looked up the guy in question on Facebook and he turned into quite a hottie. But I’m sorry bro, you had your chance.)
Okay, Back to the present.
Like great moms everywhere, mine always has a way of saying the right thing and restoring my faith in humanity. If it wasn’t for her, I’d be a far more cynical person.
“I don’t care about going out or making a big deal. For me, my Valentine’s Day is October 12th,” she said.
“What day’s that?”
“My first date with my (now) husband.”
All together now: AWWWW.
Luckily, I’ve inherited her sunny outlook on just about everything. :)
Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite recipes to make your day extra sweet, no matter how you want to spend it.
“I Love You AND Mother Nature” Vegetarian Menu
Start off with a small bowl of Courgette Soup (top with homemade croutons and a little parmesan cheese for added flavour) or Creamy Pumpkin Apple Bisque (try it with squash and a swirl of cream). Next, get colourful with the Asparagus Feta Tart, pictured above. Allow your Francophile side to take over while you make Mushroom Bourguignon.
“Let’s Get Drunk and Make Bad Decisions” Menu
Try your hand at beer-braised pork with caramelized apples, paired with roasted vegetables and a few glasses/bottles of quality red wine. Finish it off with these Chocolate Amaretto Cupcakes from Love and Olive Oil.
“The Morning After” Breakfast Menu
Unfortunately we can’t help you out with those awkward “we totally boned last night” glances across the table, but we can help you keep that wonderful buzz going with a recipe for pomegranate blissini cocktails. As they say in Shrek, everybody loves parfait, so layer your prettiest glasses with yogurt, berries (raspberries or strawberries fit the theme), granola and honey. Or go all out with banana bread french toast, buttery waffles or simple scrambled eggs with ricotta and chives.
“We’ve Only Been Dating Two Weeks, But It Looks Promising” Menu.
Take the pressure off with something a bit more low key. I like the idea of a fun build-your-own entree. How can you be shy when assembling tacos? Try this vegetarian recipe with black beans and feta or the version pictured above: mix white beans with sweet corn, chopped tomatoes and a bit of diced green pepper; toss in a light dressing of non-fat plain yogurt, olive oil, lime juice and zest; stuff into whole wheat pitas and grate some extra zest on top. Serve with a couple of great local brews and these beer-battered onion rings. It’s not fancy, but neither are you – just have fun with it!
“The Only Honey I Want Is You” Vegan Menu
Even if you don’t understand veganism, it’s really not that hard to cook a delicious meal for your veg-head. Just remember the golden rule: no dairy, no eggs, no animals. I recommend starting with some protein-rich quinoa stuffed peppers: halve peppers, stuff with cooked quinoa, top with vegan cheese, breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil, then bake for 10 minutes until nice and gooey. If you really want to be a show off, I highly recommend Ratatouille’s Ratatouille, which is so so so so good. Or throw together a simple pasta dish with linguini, garlic and oil and Quorn chick’n pieces. Finish it off with the GREATEST VEGAN DESSERT EVER.
“Can You Tell I’m Trying To Impress You” Fancy Pants Menu
Start with a spinach salad with homemade raspberry vinaigrette, then BAM! Bring out the slow-roasted salmon with polenta, colourful heirloom tomatoes and ribbons of spinach (or if you can find it, edible clover adds a gourmet touch). For an extra side, try this quickie recipe for Lemon Dill Potato Salad: cut a mixture of purple and fingerling potatoes in half; place in a pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes; drain and rinse briefly with water to cool, then dress with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a mashed garlic clove, salt and pepper and a handful of finely chopped fresh dill; serve at room temperature.
For dessert, why not get a little messy?
Whip up a fondue and set up a plate of strawberries, bananas, pound cake, marshmallows and whatever else you can think of. Simply melt chocolate in a double boiler and mix with cream and a splash of vanilla or your favourite liqueur. I like to stir in a large spoonful of crunchy peanut butter as an added treat.
Or, try your hand at any of these:
Nectarine, Mascarpone and Gingerbread Tart
Meyer Lemon Tart with Dark Chocolate
Tea-poached pears (Super simple and VEGAN!)
