Monday, February 14, 2022

Last Minute Valentine's Treats

There's still time to celebrate this day of love  It's easy to do even without going to a fancy restaurant. There are plenty of savory and sweet  treats you can whip up. 

You may not have the time to run out and get a lobster and then cook it. However you could make a yummy, lush shrimp dish with just the air fryer. It's just spritzing the seafood with an olive oil spray and them dipping them into a quick mix of garlic powder, salt, pepper and oregano. It's cooking them for only eight minutes at 350 degrees Farenheit. Serve them on lightly oiled and toasted Italian bread slices.Those slices can also be covered with a simple bruschetta using plum tomatoes, chopped onions and chopped black olives. A charcuterie board is a lovely and romantic way to celebrate the night . Have a variety of different crackers along with  regular and Genoa salami, along with pepperoni. Spreadable cheeses are always a nice addition too, so have a wedge of Brie and Camenbert(don't worry about having too much, all of this will make a nice lunch for tomorrow). Cornichons and gherkins finish it off. An impromptu barbecue under the stars is a great  get together if you're in a mild climate. Just have two burgers and dogs. along with two cold beers - or upgrade it with a split of champagne.

Sweet treats are also a welcomed gift. Chocolate fondue is a fun sweet, perfect for two. It's just melting dark chocolate with whole cream until it becomes satiny and smooth. Use fondue forks or even skewers to dip in everything from marshmallows to strawberries. Also have pound cake chunks and plain vanilla doughnut holes too.Sharing a hot fudge sundae is another romantic treat. The sauce is a delicious mix of dark chocolate chips evaporated milk, butter and a dash of vanilla. Spoon it over coffee ice cream and top with a good dollop of Reddi Whip for a frozen mocchaccino taste. You can also make the traditional hot fudge sundae with vanilla ice cream , sauce and whipped cream. Add sliced strawberries and bananas for more flavor. You could also layer on salted peanuts for a tin roof. If you're outdoors, think about a more sophisticated version of a s'more. Use good Valrhona dark chocolate with the marshmallows and place on chocolate graham crackers. You could add a sprinkle of candied ginger for heat and to cut the over sweetness.

Celebrate your love with the love of good foods. You have time to create these simple yet lush treats. Enjoy the night with them.