February 01, 2008
February 2008
If you've been suffering from post-Christmas blues lately, well it's now time to shake them off and embrace the New Year. And to do that what could be better than indulging a loved one, a special friend or perhaps a close family member with a little bit of extra affection and attention. It's a great way to wake up the senses and get back into living life to the full!
So in this issue of Gourmet High Life, I am going to give you a few ideas to help you achieve just that:
A Delicious, Gourmet Valentine's Menu
There's really no better way to show someone just how much you care and at the same time create that special touch of romance, than by preparing a truly delicious dinner for them. If you are looking for an extravagant and indulgent, three course menu, then do check out my very special Gourmet Valentine's Menu.
If however, you don't have time for three courses and all of the preparations, then you can still impress with something a little simpler & lighter such as this:
The choice is yours. But please remember that whatever you do choose, keep it within your culinary "comfort zone" - don't try to be over extravagant otherwise you will probably succeed in stressing out both yourself and your partner! This particular day is about "quality time" together. Keep it relatively simple and easy to prepare so that you have the time (and energy!) to enjoy the occasion.
Ideas on How to Create that Perfect, Romantic Ambience
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How to Make Delicious Valentine's Cookies
Cookie Dough
4oz/120g butter at room temperature
8oz/240g sugar
1 medium egg, beaten
2fl oz milk
¼teaspoon vanilla essence
about 1½ilbs/650g flour
2 level teaspoons baking powder
Icing & Decoration
2 tablespoons egg whites
about 1lb/450g powdered sugar
red food coloring
edible gold & silver balls
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light & fluffy.
- Add the egg, milk and vanilla and beat to combine.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Add half of the flour to the batter and mix well. Add some or all of the remaining flour to form a dough consistency.
- Form into a large ball, cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 37f°F/190°C.
- Now roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to around ¼inch/6mm thick. Cut out hearts using various sized cookie cutters and place on a lightly greased baking tray.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until a very light golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on a cooling rack.
- To make the icing, whisk together the egg whites with enough of the sugar to make a smooth icing. Transfer a small amount to another bowl and color pink with a drop or two of the coloring.
- Pipe a rim of pink icing around the edge and allow to set a little. Then fill in the center of the cookies with the white icing. Alternatively, you can just pipe your own design or even write names. Decorate with the silver & gold balls.
- Once the icing is completely set, package the cookies in cellophane bags and tie with red ribbon.
Single or On Your Own this Valentine's Day......no Problem!
Even if you are single or perhaps your loved one is unable to be with you on this day, you should still make the effort to enjoy it! This celebration is about "love".....and that doesn't just mean love for someone else, but also loving yourself! So make a little effort just for you....and spoil yourself. Here are a few ideas:
But whatever you do, don't go to a restaurant or to the movies alone - both will be full of couples celebrating....leave them to it - you can always do that next year with your partner!
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Great Ideas for Valentine's Gifts
You don't have to be extravagant to make an impression with your gift. Home made gifts cost a fraction of those bought in, but often create more impact. You could for example make the cookies above, or perhaps a beautifully wrapped box of home-made chocolate truffles.
Alternatively, if you really are feeling a little extravagant, go online and check out some of the wonderful Chocolatiers who can satisfy your wildest chocolate dream! I recently sampled a wonderful treat from Hotel Chocolat's Valentine's Collection. Called the "Peepster Box", it contains four generous chunky slabs of irresistible, tantalizing imaginative flavors. Stylishly packaged and presented, you can indulge on:
- Milk or Dark Love Slab - crispy baked pancake pieces and cherries in a deep relationship with luscious chocolate.
- Crostini Fruit and Nut - tangy cranberries and succulent sultanas meet silky smooth milk chocolate with pieces of roasted almonds & crunchy crostini.
- Milk Chocolate & White Praline Fusion - milk chocolate swirled with white chocolate & hazelnut praline.
But whatever you decide to give, give it with love and real affection from the heart.....that's the way to prove just how much you really care!
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