Valentine’s Day is all about showing your love–and there is nothing more impressive than cooking up a scrumptious meal! Here is a 3-course menu designed just for you and your Valentine… enjoy!
APPETIZER – Shrimp & Bacon Bernaise
Ingredients:
- 8 Large Raw Shrimp (if you don’t like to peel and clean they will do it at the seafood counter)
- 4 Slices Good Bacon (I get mine from the butcher or a smokehouse)
- 1 Package Knorr Bernaise Sauce (this is very good, fresh is better, but why add pressure on yourself)
- 3 Tsp (approximately) of horseradish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnishing
* Skewers or toothpicks soaked in water before using to avoid burning on the grill
* Check out this great & easy tip for cleaning your grille!
Directions:
- Peel and clean shrimp, pat them with a paper towel and set aside on a paper towel
- Cut bacon slices in half
- Partially cook bacon in the microwave (close to done, but pliable enough to wrap shrimp)
- Let bacon drain/rest on paper towels until cool enough to handle
- Take a shrimp and place a good amount of horseradish in the crook (inside curve)
- Wrap with one of the bacon slices
- Secure with a toothpick or place on a skewer (if using a skewer, don’t crowd them)
- Continue until you have 2 skewers of 4 shrimp or 8 individual
- Make the bernaise according to the package instructions
- Grill the shrimp if possible, if not you may broil them in the oven until the shrimp is pink and the bacon is crispy.
Serve: Choose a favorite dish, arrange the shrimp and spoon bernaise over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve.
ENTREE – Spice Rubbed Lamb Pops
This lamb pop recipe is easy, tasty and looks fancy too! You’ll feel like you’re at a 5 star restaurant! Make this delectable dish and your loved one will surely be smitten.
Total Time: 20 mins
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 pound lamb (top round) trimmed of fat and cut into 1/2-inch by 2 1/2-inch strips
Directions
- 12 skewers, if wooden soak in water for 10 minutes
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan.
- In a small bowl combine the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper and salt. In a large bowl sprinkle the spice mixture over the lamb strips and toss to coat.
- Thread 1 piece of lamb onto each skewer and grill over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once.
DESSERT – What else? But CHOCOLATE!
by Jennifer McDonald
Looking to purchase candy or dessert in the area? Below are a few local candy companies which specialize in making delicious home-made chocolate and candy treats for Valentine’s Day.
The Candy Co. of Saratoga
Located in Saratoga Springs, The Candy Co. of Saratoga Springs offers a wide variety of chocolates, specialty candies, assorted gifts and my personal favorite chocolate covered strawberries. See the photo I took while visiting the store, I highly recommend getting a dozen of these to finish off a delicious meal! For more information visit saratogacandy.com or call 518-580-0499.
The Chocolate Mill
Located in Glens Falls, The Chocolate Mill is a local pastry shop and cafe. They offer a variety of hand-made truffle assortments to tantalize your taste buds! Unique flavors include Traditional Dark, Cherry Amaretto, Vanilla Caramel Sea Salt, Grand Marnier, Tira Mi Su, Milk Chocolate and more! For more information visit chocolatemillcafe.com or call 518-338-3783.
Saratoga Sweets
Located in Clifton Park, Saratoga Sweets also offer a variety of assorted chocolates, candies and chocolate covered strawberries to give to a special someone this Valentine’s Day. Home of the Famous Peppermint Pig, Saratoga Sweets always has creative holiday themes displays and gifts for people of all ages. For more information visit saratogasweets.com or call 518-373-0073.
Krause’s Candy
Located in Albany, Krause’s Candy is my mother’s favorite chocolate store. I am pretty sure she can’t go a day without having a piece of chocolate from their store. Krause’s offers a variety of Valentine’s Day candies, chocolate novelties, gift baskets and heart boxes of chocolates which make perfect desserts and/or gifts for this special holiday. For more information visit krausescandy.com or call 518-869-3950.
Drinks – Marys Special Drink!
Here is an amazing drink to end the meal off right!
- Champagne
- Chambord
- Fresh Raspberries
Mix any of your favorite Champagne with Chambord. Add fresh raspberries. Wa-la! Easy as that. Enjoy!