Valentine's Day Menu

When you think about Valentine's day dinner what comes to mind? A few words for me are sexy, decadent, impressive, and delicious! If you are in need of a menu to impress your partner or to spoil yourself, look no further than here! I made this menu with even the novice of cooks in mind so that everyone can enjoy and feel special on this day.

And for those that think Valentines is just for the couples, I'll be enjoying this meal all by myself on February 14th as well! So whip it up and we can share a virtual dinner together! <3

Directions

Brie & Pear Tarts - Appetizer

Ingredients:

• 24 mini phyllo tart shells

• ¼ pound Brie cheese, cut into 24 small chunks

• 1 ripe pear, cut into small diced pieces

• pear fruit paste (optional)

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 tbsp honey, or to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to temperature on back of phyllo tart package.

2. Arrange brie pieces in each shell

3. Top with a little pear paste and diced pear pieces

4. Bake in oven until cheese is melted and tarts are golden, about 8 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and top with thyme leaves and drizzle with honey

Surf & Turf - Dinner

Recipe from Will Cook for Smiles . I omitted the scallops and used 1 lb of shrimp. There's lots of surf and turf recipes out there, so if you have one you already enjoy use that one. But this one was really delicious and I will definitely be making it again!

Surf & Turf w/ Asparagus

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus - Dinner

Ingredients:

• ½ lb asparagus, woody ends cut off

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2-3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.

2. Rinse the asparagus and trim off woody ends and pat dry. Spread out in a thin layer on top of the prepared cookie sheet.

3. Drizzle the olive oil over top. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

4. Use your hands to mix the asparagus with all of the ingredients, then lay out into an even layer again

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Decadent Chocolate Mousse - Dessert

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chocolate chips (for less sweet use dark, I used semi sweet)

• 1¾ cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large microwave safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and ½ cup cream in 20 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir well between each interval.

2. Set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

3. In the bowl of a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat remaining 1¼ cups chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

4. Divide the whipped cream, reserving about ½ a cup to use for topping the mousse. Place in the fridge.

5. Fold the remaining whipped cream into the melted chocolate. Once fully combined, transfer the mousse into individual serving dishes and chill for a couple hours.

6. Top each serving with some of the reserved whipped cream.