If Valentine's Day gives some of you kitchen performance anxiety - don't fear. ChefsLine has pulled together a menu with all the trimmings for a romantic, mid-week evening affair. And should you want some discreet guidance - our chefs are standing by at 1-800-977-1224.
Chilled Champagne Poached Shrimp with Avocado Corn Relish
Veal Scallopine with Artichokes, Button Mushrooms and Aged Balsamic Vinegar
Saffron Couscous
Chocolate Chambord Mousse
Click for Recipes
Both of these are fabulous wines that can stand up against the finest of oysters. They are great on their own as well. The Rose is one of the finest Champagnes that you will find with a beautiful color and the endless stream of fine bubbles. A masterpiece!
Acacia 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir. Retails for about $17.99. It is light, yet full-bodied but not so heavy to weigh you down for the evening's festivities. It is a great accompaniment for the ChefsLine Kitchen Quickie Menu.
Setting the Mood
Chef Jackie Lee, author of forthcoming, The Hook Book.
There are a number of ways to set the mood for a fun evening. Be open and step outside your everyday boundaries to set the stage for memorable romance.
Teaser. Heighten your senses by feeding each other. It takes more attention and you will eat more slowly, savoring the mouthwatering food you've made.
Lighting. Dim lights or candles set the mood. Take dinner off the table; bring dinner down to a lower level. Drape a coffee table or low table with fabric, napkins or tablecloth. Set out votives or other low profile lights.
Music. Of course, music is essential. We won't claim to know what gets your groove going but we are quite fond of new artist, Sunny Winter.
DJ Edgar Bumper, Radio Zapatista Harlem, Valentine's Day Playlist
| "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye |
| "Challenge of the Love Warriors" by Tom Tom Club |
| "Do It Till You're Satisfied" by B.T. Express |
| "Puerto Vallarta" by Ely Guerra |
| "Doin' It" by LL Cool J |
| "Hey Boy Hey Girl" by Chemical Bros. |
| "Power of Love" by Dee-Lite |
| "Nothing to Lose" by Dimitri From Paris |
| "Black Coffee" by Julie London |
| "The Bed's Too Big Without You" by The Police |
| "You Don't Know" by Sunny Winter |
Aroma. Certain essential oils can act as an aphrodisiac (an agent which arouses one’s sexual drive). Ylang ylang, patchouli, lavender and sandalwood are great scents for the bedroom.
Finger Foods of Love
Chef Kevin Weeks
Why are some things reputed as aphrodisiacs and others not? In most cases it is for one of two reasons: Either the food bears some resemblance to something sexual or because it is reputed to provide sexual energy. This collection of finger foods dips into both categories. Call ChefsLine if you would like to create a "finger foods" menu and we'll develop one that suits your style, time, and provide you with everything you'll need to cook up some delectable dishes.
Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto. Trim woody ends from asparagus, then dress with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Place on a baking sheet and broil until lightly browned. Wrap three spears in prosciutto and serve at room temperature.
Avocado Crostini. Mash an avocado with finely minced shallot, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, salt to taste, 1/4 teaspoon of ground chipotle, and 1/4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano. Spread on toasted slices of baguette lightly brushed with olive oil.
Oysters Pancetta. Cut 2 ounces of pancetta into 1/4 inch cubes. Cook over medium-low heat until lightly browned. Skewer a cube of pancetta, a smoked oyster packed in olive oil, and another cube of pancetta on a toothpick.
Beef Carpaccio. Partially freeze a small beef tenderloin until firm, then slice as thinly as you can (use a very sharp knife). Place a leaf of arugula on each slice and wrap around a 1/2 inch cube of Gruyere. Skewer with a toothpick and drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Dessert on the Fly
Chocolate "Pots" de Creme
Chef Gwin Grimes
Ingredients:
12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 cup milk
Whipped cream and fresh raspberries, optional
Method:
1. Put chocolate chips, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a blender.
2. Bring milk to a simmer on the stove.
3. Pour the hot milk into the blender while blending. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure the chocolate is melted and you start to see some bubbles form. (The hot milk cooks the eggs.)
4. Pour into individual dessert dishes or wine glasses and chill.
5. Top with whipped cream and a fresh raspberry before serving.
Chef's Notes:
No-bake and a perfect match for romance. Do-ahead or "on the fly" and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.
Call ChefsLine's culinary hotline at 1-800-977-1224 from your kitchen and cook live with our chefs.
