How can I work some BBQ into our meal? My wife has left me in charge of the romantic meal this year.
- Go leafs
A. So you want to use your mastery of fire to show your love. Here are a couple of ideas: Lobster is great on the BBQ. Split it in two lengthwise and throw it on the grill face down for 15-20 minutes until it is cooked through, it get a nice caramelized smoked flavour that compliment the sweet meat very well. You can serve it with drawn butter or a spicy salsa and a simple green salad, some good bread and don't forget to buy the champagne.
A Chateaubraind is also a classic dinner for two, it is usually roasted but it will be great on the BBQ. This piece of meat is the cap of the beef fillet. Add some steamed veggies; broccolli, cauliflower or carrots and serve with a bernaise sauce -- your wife will be very impressed. You're going to need a good full bodied red wine for this one (Cabernet or Shiraz). This link has a recipe for bearnaise sauce if you want to give it a try: Seafood Crêpes with Bearnaise Sauce.
Romantic, kid-friendly and shellfish-free
Would you have any suggestions for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 4 and 5 that don't deal with seafood as we are all allergic to shellfish and don't really enjoy fish in general?
- Andrea
A. Yes -- we have a great family menu that would be perfect. It's all-finger food, so is fun for the kids to eat -- and it does not have any fish in it.
Beautiful poached eggs
I recently ate out at a very fine french restaurant where my meal began with a barely poached duck egg with black truffle shavings on top. The whole thing came wrapped in a "purse" which was a very delicate deep fried pastry bundle. It was the most sensuous thing I have ever tasted. My question is this; Is there a simpler (and maybe less expensive) dish that I can prepare at home for V-day that will evoke (obviously not duplicate) the taste and texture of this fabulous dish for my hubby?
- Nancyforn
A. Here is a fancy way to poached an egg: very carefully crack the egg onto a square of plastic wrap, bring the sides of the plastic wrap together and twist the top together so you have a pouch, tie the top with a piece of string. Poach the egg pouch in very lightly simmering water, when you unwrap the egg, it will look like a little shaped dumpling. You can serve it in the classic French style on frissee with lardons (bacon that has been diced and fried).
If you want to emulate the truffles, roast a selection of whatever interesting mushrooms you can find. Slice them up, toss with olive oil, a bit of garlic and some fresh thyme. Serve the egg on a bed of mushrooms and drizzle with truffle oil (a cheaper way to get the flavour of truffles without as much expense).
Find everything you need for Valentine's Day here!
Page 3 of 4 -- Find menu options for vegetarians and loved ones on a diet on page 4
