11

Feb

Valentines Day Dinner for Two

Filed Under (valentines) by Webmaster on 11-02-2009

Tagged Under : , ,

 Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

 
No one takes the day off for Valentine’s Day, so dinner is usually the meal of choice for couples to share. This year, instead of eating out, use your extra cash to create a bistro like setting in your home. Serve up a romantic dinner for two this year that you put together.
 
The first thing to decide is how fancy you desire this dinner date to be. You can keep it simple and spend more time whipping up a generous dessert or vice versa. Knowing the special person in question like you do, the choice won’t be too hard.
 
Simple Dinner Ideas
 
For those of you, who feel the need for speed, go with a dish that is easy to prepare. Since there will be just the two of you, opt for Cornish hens instead of a big roasting chicken. They are so small that you can marinate these little beauties before baking them for a flavor that will infuse through the meat.
 
Maybe red meat is more to your liking. Find the best cuts of steak or a small roast to be the main dish. New York strip steaks or a T-bone will have everyone’s mouth watering. You don’t usually eat it every day because they are so expensive so treat yourself and your companion. Steaks don’t take long to cook either.
 
Any dish that can be prepared ahead of time and slipped in the oven on Valentine’s Day is considered a simple dinner. Fix a casserole meal with only a few ingredients. You can do wonders with chicken breasts, rice, and cream soup.
 
Fancier Fare
 
Some of you may use Valentine’s Day as the time to stretch your cooking repertoire. In that case, you want to tantalize your sweetie with a feast for the eyes and the palate. It will take some time to prepare such a meal but that’s okay since it’ll be for a special person.
 
For a welcome change, consider doing a multiple course dinner. Serve an appetizer, then a salad, and then the dinner meal. Follow with a decadent dessert and coffee or a cognac. He or she will be impressed with a presentation like that.
 
Set the Mood
 
While dinner is cooking, have some sort of snack to set the mood for the meal and the rest of the evening. A few strawberries with a glass of champagne aren’t a bad way to begin. The combination of sweet strawberries and sparkling champagne will tickle the tongue and relax you both.
 
Are you thinking of a romantic dinner this year? Stay home and prepare the meal yourself. Make it a night to remember.
 
 

No Comments
Read More
11

Feb

Choosing Wines for your Valentines Day Dinner

Filed Under (valentines) by Webmaster on 11-02-2009

Tagged Under : , , , ,

 

Choosing Wines for your Valentine’s Day Dinner
 
 
When Valentine’s Day rolls around, you want to make it a special day for your sweetheart. It is a time to celebrate your love for them. Whether you go out or stay at home, accompany dinner with a refreshing wine.
 
There is an art to wine and food. People spend lots of time learning about wines and tasting them. You don’t have to swish and spit to find out how a wine tastes. Just keep reading for some helpful tips on choosing the right wine for your delicious meal.
 
Champagnes
 
Let’s begin with the bubbly. Champagne and other sparkling wines are served for people to drink when they celebrate. And, when love is in the air, it is a cause for celebration. Champagnes are a lot sweeter than most wines and all those bubbles tickle the nose and the tongue.
 
If you are a person who wants to wow their sweetheart this hear, serve a little champagne and strawberries to get the evening started. There are a few choices for you:
 
·        Brut
·        Extra Dry
·        Demi-Sec
 
There is a difference that can excite or dull the palate. Brut contains no sweetness at all. Drinking it with sweet strawberries can help.
 
Extra dry champagne has a hint of sweetness but not much. The strawberries may add a bit of sweetness to the flavor of the champagne. If you want more sweetness from that for your fruity mood maker, try a Demi-Sec. it also goes well with any dessert you serve.
 
White Wine
 
This wine goes well with several dishes. Your sweetie will be impressed that you know how to put wine together with food for the perfect complement to the Valentine’s Day meal.
 
If you like the taste of Chardonnay, they you have a tendency towards fruity flavors. There are many California chardonnays on the market if you prefer a U.S. wine. Choose from medium or full-bodied varieties.
 
White wine goes well with:
 
·         Pasta dishes
·         Chicken
·         Fish
 
For a lighter bodied white wine that includes a nuttier flavor, opt for a Sauvignon blanc or a white Zinfandel.
 
Red Wine
 
Red wine is an acquired taste. Choose from Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Port. Red wines have a variety of flavors that range from light to full-bodied. There is a hint of fruit combined with bolder flavors like licorice, spice, and woodsy flavors.
 
If you plan on serving red meat or a stew, consider serving a red wine with the meal. Pinot Noir is also an excellent choice for chicken dishes, salmon, and pork.
 
What are you serving for dinner this Valentine’s Day? If you are going for the romantic touch and an eventful evening, serve some wine with your meal.
 
 

(3) Comments
Read More