Valentine Day Recipes
Pulling together a great date night on February 14th requires more than a few Valentine's Day Recipes. You have to come up with something for dinner, dessert, drinks, and maybe even an appetizer. That's a lot of preparation! And, with so many options out there, it can be incredibly difficult to settle on something. The main thing is to focus on your loved one's favorites, regardless of what you come across – keeping in mind your skill level in the kitchen, too. If you are looking for some ideas, then take a look through these for some inspiration:
Artichoke, Asparagus, and Asiago Heart-shaped Pizza
Ingredients
pizza dough -- homemade or store-bought
2 tbsp. (30 mL) olive oil
1 can (28 oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes
1 jar (6 oz/170 mL) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 tsp.
1/2 tsp. (5 mL) salt
1/4 tsp. (1 mL) black pepper
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) shredded asiago cheese (about 6 oz/170 g)
4 oz. (113 g) fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch (0.5 cm) pieces
Instructions
If you want to use your own homemade dough you’ll have to prepare the dough at least one hour before you want to bake the pizzas. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, begin with one 1-1/2 lb (750 g) package of fresh or frozen pizza dough.
At least one hour before (or even a day ahead) you want to make the pizzas, prepare the tomato sauce. Measure the olive oil into a 9x13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish. Pour in the diced tomatoes -- including all the juice. If the artichoke hearts are large, cut them in half but they should remain in substantial chunks. Add to the tomatoes in the pan along with the chopped garlic. Place in the oven and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 45 minutes, stirring once in a while, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce is thick. Let cool.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease two large baking sheets. Sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.
Divide the pizza dough into 4 pieces. Roll out each ball of dough to approximately a 6-inch circle, then shape into a heart-shaped crust by pinching one side and indenting the other. Place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving plenty of room between for expansion. Spoon tomato sauce mixture over surface to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of the edge of the dough, making sure you distribute the pieces of artichoke hearts evenly among the pizzas. Sprinkle with cheese and top with the asparagus pieces. Bake pizzas for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned on the bottom and the toppings are melted.
Courtesy of Kaboose.com
Sautéed Chicken with Wild Mushrooms
Ingredients
8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
1 teaspoon porcini powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup assorted sliced mushrooms (such as crimini and oyster)
1/4 cup drained canned white beans
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of minced fresh rosemary
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
1 tablespoon Marsala
2 tablespoons truffle butter
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Orzo or steamed rice
Ingredient info:
Porcini powder and truffle butter can be found at specialty foods stores. Porcini powder can also be made by grinding dried porcini in a spice mill.
Instructions
Season chicken with porcini powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken until golden and almost cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet; add mushrooms, beans, garlic, and rosemary and cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are golden brown. Stir in chicken broth, Marsala, and chicken strips; simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 minutes. Stir in truffle butter and unsalted butter.
Serve chicken and sauce over orzo or steamed rice.
- Courtesy of Epicurious.com.
Microwave Rosemary Potatoes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 lbs red potatoes, quartered, about 4 cups
Instructions
Place the butter and garlic in an 8 inch square baking dish. Microwave at medium high (70%) 45 seconds or until butter melts. Add rosemary, salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and potatoes, toss well. Cover and microwave at high 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Courtesy of Food.com
Sauteed Spinach with Red Onion, Bacon, and Blue Cheese
Ingredients
2 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup(s) thinly sliced red onion
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 bunch(es) fresh spinach, tough stems removed
2 strip(s) center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon(s) crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 1 minute. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds more. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in bacon and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve immediately.
Courtesy of Delish.com.
Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients
3 ounce(s) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoon(s) heavy cream
1 tablespoon(s) brewed espresso
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
salt
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 pieces
8 piece(s) fresh pineapple
4 strawberries
Instructions
Place chocolate, cream, espresso, vanilla, and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl; microwave on Medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted, 1 to 2 minutes OR in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling water. Gently stir until almost melted. Remove from the heat and stir until the chocolate melts completely.
Pour the chocolate mixture into a serving bowl. Serve with fruit.
Courtesy of Delish.com.
The Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
1 quart fresh strawberries (or more if you like)
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces cream cheese , softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping
1 (14 ounce) angel food cake, cut into cubes (can be made by hand, store-bought cake saves time)
Instructions
Wash, stem, and cut strawberries in half. Add sugar; toss to mix well. Chill. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar well. Fold in whipped topping and cake cubes. Spread cake into an ungreased 13x9 dish. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Cut cake into squares; top with strawberries.
Courtesy of Food.com .
