There were at least three (and possibly more) Saint Valentines and the celebration of Saint Valentine’s day may apply to one or all. But apparently the Saint’s association with romantic love was the idea of Geoffrey Chaucer (yes, the one who wrote Canterbury Tales) and his buddies back in the 14th century. When you sit around the table with your loved one – your own romantic tale should have some dramatic food flourishes. What story will your food tell? Will it be spicy, hearty, earthy, sweet? What I’ve created is a menu speaks of a practical, thoughtful and spicy engagement – filled with wonderful scents and feel good texture.

This menu requires very little effort on the “night of love.” The mousse can be made a couple of days in advance, as can the cauliflower puree. Prep the asparagus and make the pie in a day in advance and you can serve this elegant menu in 40 fairly leisurely minutes.

“Love’s” Sensual Rich Dinner Menu

Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche Mousse
Make this up a couple of days in advance, and then serve on crackers, toast points, or stuffed in celery or endive leaves.


Shrimp Curry in Puff Pastry
Elegant, exotic, absolutely delicious, and dead easy, the combination of shellfish, curry, and coconut milk blend nicely with the buttery pastry. The flakiness of the pastry, in turn, adds a delightful textural contrast to the unctuous sauce and the snap of the shrimp.

Asparagus in Prosciutto
No need for a recipe here. Steam some asparagus until just barely done, wrap four spears in a thin slice of prosciutto, drizzle with balsamic (or sherry) vinegar, and serve topped with a dollop of mayonnaise.

Cauliflower Puree
Cauliflower is a great match for curry, and this is another recipe you can make a day or two in advance and then heat in the microwave just before serving. For a great flavor boost, substitute the Parmesan cheese with some crumbled goat cheese (Chevre). Add the cheese to the cauliflower when you make the puree and then stir in some chopped fresh chives just before serving it.


Chocolate Espresso Hazelnut Pie
Chocolate is a reputed aphrodisiac, and it’s an odd one. Most supposed aphrodisiacs gain their claim to fame from a resemblance to certain significant body parts – whether rhinoceros horn, asparagus, or oysters. But chocolate has no such distinction. I think it gained its reputation because it just tastes sensual. That and the endorphin kick.