Valentine's Day Ideas

Because the best thing about most holidays is the food.

Appetizers

Citrus Salad with Start Anise Syrup

Unique, refreshing, and festively colored.  Plus, grapefruits are in season.

Baked Brie

Amazingly versatile and no-doubt-about-it delicious.  Anyone who doesn't like a creamy wedge of Brie wrapped and baked in a flaky pie crust is beyond my comprehension.

Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine

Served alone or sliced a-top a green salad, these are a light and satisfying appetizer.

Mains

Mushroom Bourgiugnon

A meat-free take on a the traditional Beef Bourgiugnon that doesn't taste like it's missing a thing.  Plus, I just watched Julie & Julia.

Butternut Squash Risotto with Fried Sage

Be still, my heart.

Ratatouille

Light and chock-full of vegetables; this will leave you with plenty of room for dessert.

Homemade Lamb Ragu with Mint

For all you meat lovers out there, my ex-boyfriend was (is) one too.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Spelt Brownie Cake

Because Valentine's Day means chocolate, and this would be great with some vanilla ice cream.

The Best Red Velvet Cake

mini version

Always, always, a crowd pleaser.  Just ask my friend Pamela-- it was her birthday cake two years in a row (wish I could make it for you this year!).

Ricotta with Vanilla Sugar Croutons and Berry Syrup

If chocolate isn't your thing; I'd like to meet you by the way-- but actually, we probably wouldn't get along.

Raw Brownie Bites

If you still want to keep it healthy, these are great.  I'd probably be making some today if I had any dates (the fruit, mind you)!

Hope everyone has a good Valentine's Day! I'd love to know if you try any of these recipes! xo