February 2008

The Kitchen Quickie: Recipes Valentine's Day Dinner Menu

To Set the Mood: Champagne garnished with fresh raspberries (with a splash or rose syrup if you're in the mood) and move to red wine once dinner is served Entrée: Rose-Marinated Flank Steak with Roasted Shallots Brown Basmati Rice with Toasted Almonds and Medjool Dates Dessert: Pistachio Ice Cream and Raspberry Sorbet with Rose Syrup Drizzle and Shaved Bittersweet Chocolate Click here for the entire menu:

The Trimmings: Nutritional Breakdown Colorful Expression

Given that we're in the spirit of all things romantic, we couldn't help ourselves but include roses (well, rose syrup) in our recipes. These ancient symbols of love and beauty have long been associated with romance – the Greek and Roman goddesses Aphrodite and Venus were identified by, yes, the rose. Rose syrup is made from petals of roses. We've found an organic rose syrup, Syrup Rose Magliano, that's absolutely sublime, and hails from Chianti Hills of Tuscany, where the producer harvests petals each May. So, whether you're saying "I Love You" (red rose) or simply expressing your gentle feelings of love (pink rose), or perhaps are going out on a limb with a friend and telling them that you're falling in love (yellow rose with red tips) or just want communicate your passion for that special someone (orange rose), rose syrup has you covered on all fronts.

	The Culinary Newbie: Fluffing Your Culinary Ego Believe it or Not
	Valentine's Day is stressful for two opposing tribes Believes and Non-Believers. 1) Believers (couples) are tormented trying to create an off-the-charts, love-infused, ridiculously romantic evening for the one they love and 2) Non-believers (singletons) breakout into hives just thinking about spending yet, another V-day alone (or their first V-day without a honey.) Sufficed to say, we are here to alleviate all, or much of, your stress with what we consider the remedy to most sorrows: food. The following recipes are a full-proof menu for this Hallmark Holiday for both believers and V-Day atheists. If you haven't already pledged spending the evening alone, eating left-over Mac n' Cheese, curled up watching When Harry Met Sally, imagining that someday you'll be in love like Billy and Meg, consider inviting over your favorite five, six or seven closest single friends and make dinner for them. Nothing says lovin' like a love-levitating soiree with your nearest and dearest. This spectacular dinner, prepared with singleton love, will be just what doctor ordered.

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