Keeping it Real for Valentine’s Day
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Oh Valentine’s Day, how you creep up at the beginning of every year and put the pressure of finding the perfect way to tell people you love them. Never fear, friends, we have a great idea to simplify your Valentine’s Day – stay in, have some fun, and save yourself some cash!
First thing is first – get the gift now! No really, planning ahead will allow you to find a thoughtful gift that your sweetie will actually like instead of rushing at the last minute to find something that kinda works. It’s ok to stay away from the “typical” chocolates, flowers, and jewelry. Go for a unique gift or check out fair trade chocolate, eco-friendly or organic flowers, and ethical or recycled jewelry. Oh and ladies, don’t forget your man this year – they need to feel the love too!
Keep it real. Unrealistic expectations and over the top plans can really fizzle if they don’t come to fruition. Let’s be realistic people, going out to dinner on Valentine’s day never seems to be as wonderful as you hoped it would be. Restaurants are crowded, the servers are grumpy about working, and it’s difficult to put out the vibe with hundreds of strangers around you. Make dinner at home, heck try cooking together for some more time together. Not sure what to make? Here’s what we think makes for a laid-back evening with your sweetie, friends or family:
German Cheddar and Beer Fondue
Image: Food Network
A simple recipe from Rachael Ray at the Food Network that is fun to eat – I mean come on people, we’re talking about cheesy delicious fondue! Pair it with a tasty salad to get your veggies and add a course.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 sack, 10 ounces, 2 1/2 cups, shredded sharp Cheddar, available on dairy aisle
1/4 to 1/3 pound, 4 to 6 ounces, Gruyere, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup German lager beer (or your favorite beer!)
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
A few drops hot sauce
A few drops Worcestershire sauce
For Serving:
1 1/2 pounds cubed or thick sliced and browned wursts: knock, brat or brot, etc.
1 package mini party franks (recommended: Boars Head)
1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
1 small jar mini Gherkin pickles, drained
1 small jar pickled onions, available on vegetable aisle
1 small, round loaf rye, pumpernickel or sour dough bread, cubed
Directions:
Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. Add beer to a small pot and bring up to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon. When the cheese has been incorporated fully, stir in the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer fondue to warm fondue pot.
In a large skillet, bring 2-inches of water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 2 to 3 minutes, drain and arrange around the fondue pot.
In the same pan, bring the cooking water back to a boil and add the mini franks and sliced wursts. Cook, uncovered until all the liquid has evaporated. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan to crisp the casings. Pile wursts and dogs near fondue. Complete the dipping selections with dishes of pickles, onions and cubed bread.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Glaze
Image: Whole Foods
Make this recipe from Whole Foods ahead of time and save yourself some stress the night of Valentine’s dinner. So simple and so delicious!
Serves 12
Ingredients:
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 3 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
1 1/4 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray, too, then set the pan aside.
Place two-thirds (8 ounces) of the chocolate and 1 cup (2 sticks) of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Stirring often, melt chocolate with butter until completely blended. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. (Alternatively, you may use your microwave to melt the butter with the chocolate, if desired). Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Sift cocoa into bowl and stir until just blended.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cake has risen and top has formed a thin crust. The cake should be just firm in the center when done. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate, removing sides of springform pan. Remove and discard parchment paper and set cake aside to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the chocolate glaze. Melt remaining 4 ounces chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in milk, honey and vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.
When cake has cooled, pour glaze onto the center. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, very gently smooth glaze along the top and sides of the cake. Chill cake, uncovered, for 30 to 60 minutes before serving to set the glaze and make the cake easier to slice.
Now crack open your favorite bottle of organic wine, pop open a beer, or go all out and do champagne! Rent a movie and enjoy eachother’s company without the stress of a big Valentine’s Day to do!
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