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>

boy hearts girl

valentine's day is right around the corner! finding the right gift for that special someone can be a challenge, so i navigated the minefield of love-themed items and came up with a few ideas for her and for him!

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1. a good read with recipes

2. something shiny

3. red hot kitchen tools

4. a gift certificate for a mani-pedi goes nicely with a new polish :)

5. everyone's favorite period drama

6. love for her desktop

7. a passionately painted pillow

8. mentionable unmentionables

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1. fuzzy slippers

2. heart boxers

3. bacon chocolate (yes, really. and yes, it's awesome.)

4. whiskey stones for chilling nightcaps to perfection

5. comfort food, courtesy of mr. thomas keller

6. needlepoint flask (add your own maker's mark!)

7. a heartfelt, but not too mushy, print

8. mr. eastwood - the ultimate manly man

of course, flowers and champagne and chocolates are always solid choices! what are you getting your other half for valentine's day?