any excuse for a party: valentine's day edition

isn't this amazing?? 

going out to dinner for a valentine's day date is a great chance to let other people do all the work so you can focus on one another. on the other hand, having a nice dinner together at home is equally romantic.

i remember my first valentine's day with the boyfriend; he made me a spectacular meal featuring roast duck breast with a cherry reduction served with asparagus and risotto, followed by homemade tiramisu! needless to say, he's a keeper! we have continued that valentine tradition each year, only now we enjoy planning a menu and cooking dinner together.

whether you are preparing a surprise dinner, or working to produce one as a couple, here is a menu full of red and white colors that will set the tone for your evening (candles and mood music not included.)

hors d'oeuvres:

crostini duo
ricotta with cracked black pepper and honey 
fig jam and goat cheese

first course:

roasted beet soup with creme fraiche

entrée:

bistecca alla fiorentina with arugula and parmesan (for two)
roasted fingerling potatoes

dessert:

flourless chocolate torte (recipe coming tomorrow - stay tuned!)
cheesecake-stuffed strawberries

that's me with said chocolate torte on valentine's day a few years ago!

to drink:

before (and after) dinner: 
something bubbly! prosecco is crisp and dry, and more affordable than champagne. look for bottles from the veneto area (valdobbiadene is a great region!)

if we're going with champagne, my pick is veuve clicquot :)

with dinner:
we all know red wine is great with steak - i love pinot noirs and cabernets, and an italian red like chianti would also pair nicely.


a festive cocktail:
i love the sound of these pink grapefruit margaritas (plus, they're pink!)


<images courtesy of the cooking channel, epicurious, epicurious, food.com, martha stewart, the sweets life>