Going out for dinner on Valentine’s Day is a risky affair. Even the best restaurants can have “overload difficulties” on such a busy night where couples have expectations of restaurant perfection. A better way to manage expectations is to take control of them yourself. Food is a language of love. You know what you like and what your loved one likes. No need to worry about cheesy love songs or a perfumed soaked lady sitting next to you. Nothing says I love you more than taking the time to make a special meal for the person you love. Visit the local farmers’ market, butcher, or seafood shop to buy their favorite seasonal ingredients. Come up with a meal that celebrates love. Turn off the lights, fire up all the candles and put on your favorite music.
Keep it easy and made make it special. Plan out the meal from beginning to end to get organized and make sure you have a solid menu. If you’re not a seasoned cook make sure to keep it simple and I recommend not trying to make complicated dishes that you’ve never made before. Make it easy with three courses. Begin with a beautiful cheese plate. Embrace easy, big impact dishes. Start off with prosciutto-wrapped scallops finished with a squeeze of lemon. Warm things up with braised short ribs or steaks finished off with butter and herbs. Keep desserts simple, but sweet. Decorate bakery cakes with fresh fruit or edible flowers or warm up slices of pie and top with caramel sauce and a gourmet ice cream or try your hand at an easy dessert of chocolate pots de crème. Don’t forget that nice bottle of wine or champagne.
“Work With What You Got!”
©Tiny New York Kitchen © 2018 All Rights Reserved
Tiny New York Kitchen Wishes You A Very Happy Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Fun Facts
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentine would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To “wear your heart on your sleeve” now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, who died in childbirth. Work on the Taj began in 1634 and continued for almost 22 years and required the labor of 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia.
About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. That is the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.
About 3 percent of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.
Hallmark has over 1,330 different cards specifically for Valentine’s Day.
In the United States, 64 percent of men do not make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine’s Day with their sweethearts.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen
Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas For Busy Parents
Ohhhh the pressure of Valentine’s Day. Romance doesn’t die when you become a parent. You just have to be creative by using what you have and, above all, appreciating each other. Romance for parents today is a bit different. Make the most out of what really matters and show your love as loving parents do.
Use Technology
In the day of the smartphone, webcams and computers, there is no reason why you can’t text, video message or email your spouse with messages of love. Don’t just do it on Valentine’s Day. Do it when it’s least expected.
Get A Sitter
Parents appreciate the neighborhood teenagers who can drop by every now and then to give them some uninterrupted conversation.
Rent A Video And Order In
The time spent together enjoying each other in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to reserve the extravagant nights for extra-special occasions.
Think Beyond Dinner
Dinner is always great, but so is an afternoon or daytime adventure and this year the holiday falls on a Saturday. Are you and your sweetie the outdoor types? Try a hike and bring a picnic (complete with wine, of course). Or, book a couples massage at your favorite local day spa. Your honey might claim that he (or she) is not the massage type, but I don’t know anyone who can resist 50 minutes of bliss.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Talk about date night pressure! Avoid the restaurant hassle, stay in and make a delicious Valentine’s Day Dinner for your sweetheart. As an added bonus you get the table the entire night as well as save some money. After dinner snuggle up on the sofa and watch a romantic movie. Here are a few Valentine’s Day Dinner menu ideas.
Baked Ziti
Dry Aged Steak With Potato Gratin
Pork Rib Roast With Winter Vegetables
Seafood Chowder
Farfalle With Vodka Sauce
Mussels
Swedish Meatballs
Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Lemon Meringue Pie
Chocolate Truffles
Carrot Cake
