~ food ~
Romantic dinner for two? No problem. If you are planning Valentine's Day in or just a romantic night with your sweetheart, this is a perfect meal to impress. These recipes are simple to prepare, but so full of flavor your love will be convinced you're a gourmet chef. A hint, get everything you can prepared or chopped in advance so you can focus on your time together. You've already got the table set to go, now let's get cooking!
{Gorgonzola Walnut Chicken}
2-3 chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cups chicken stock, low sodium
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
3 tablespoons fresh basil, diced
Directions
Season chicken with salt and pepper. If breasts are thick, slice in half horizontally. In a large skillet melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4 minutes, turn over and cook 2-3 minutes or until cooked through. Remove to a warm platter covered in foil. Add chicken stock to skillet and boil on high for 1 minute. Stir in cream and cheese. Cook until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with chopped walnuts. Serve immediately.
{Vinaigrette Marinated Tomatoes}
2-3 tomatoes
1/2 cup Balsamic vinaigrette
Directions
Slice tomatoes and put in a shallow dish. Cover with vinaigrette and marinate for at least 20 minutes. Can be prepared in advance.
{Ice Cream Rolled in Toasted Coconut}
Ice cream (vanilla bean, pineapple, strawberry, or other)
Sweetened coconut
Optional for hearts: chocolate chips
Directions
Heat up the oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut on a cookie sheet and let toast in oven until lightly browned. Remove and let cool. Scoop ice cream balls using a scoop. Drop into coconut and roll around with fingers. Place in freezer to let set up. To make heart melt chocolate and using a spoon, draw hearts on a sheet of wax paper. Set in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.