Forgot to book a table for Valentine’s Day? Or just want to have an intimate dinner at home? This romantic, make ahead menu is just what you need for date night at home. Start your celebration with a sparkly champagne cocktail, followed by a scrumptious dinner of Halibut with Celery Root Purée, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Spinach Salad with Curry Dressing, and then finish the meal with my foolproof Mint Chocolate Mousse. The vast majority of the prep for these easy-to-prepare, impressive dishes can be done earlier in the day (or the day before), allowing you to spend dinner time with your Valentine, instead of the oven. And, an added bonus – I crafted this menu using several foods that help you “set the mood” – not just exciting the palate, but also other senses (for those après dinner activities!):
- celery root (contains androsterone, a hormone that, when secreted, attracts females),
- asparagus (according to European lore, this member of the lily family could set just the right tone for your romantic evening),
- olive oil (the Greeks believed it makes men more virile!),
- mustard (stimulates the sexual glands and increases desire), and
- of course, chocolate (contains a sedative that relaxes and lowers inhibitions as well as a stimulant to increase desire for physical contact).
Enjoy!
Valentine’s Day Menu:
Champagne Cocktail (p.32, Fresh Tastes)
Spinach Salad with Curry Dressing (p.82, Fresh Tastes)
Halibut with Celery Root Purée and Tomato Garnish (p. 148, Fresh Tastes)
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus (p. 200, Fresh Tastes)
Mint Chocolate Mousse (p. 242, Fresh Tastes)
Don’t have a copy of my cookbook Fresh Tastes from A Well-Seasoned Kitchen? Order your copy here!
What a lovely menu for Valentine’s Day! Sometimes its nice to have someone else figure out the perfect menu…take the guesswork out! I’ll be sharing this on my Facebook page at the beginning of the week…I’m sure people are going to be planning their special dinners next week. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!