The festival of love
There are many legends about the origins of Valentine's Day, the best known being that, similar to Halloween, it started with the ancient Romans, who loved a celebration.
It all started with Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to legend, Valentine defied a ban imposed by the Roman emperor Claudius II, who had forbidden marriages between young soldiers on the grounds that single men made better fighters. Valentine is said to have continued to celebrate marriages in secret, in defiance of the emperor.
When his actions were discovered, Valentine was imprisoned and executed on 14 February. Since then, the day of his death has become a day to celebrate love and affection, and Valentine's Day as we know it today is said to have grown out of this ancient tradition.
A Valentine's day menu
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate love than by preparing a delicious meal for your loved one? Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this specially designed menu is sure to delight your partner's taste buds and create unforgettable memories. So get ready to light the candles, put on some soft music and cook with love for a romantic evening to remember.
1. Starter: Sundried tomato and ricotta bruschetta
Dried tomato bruschetta are a delicious, romantic and above all easy choice for a Valentine's Day menu. With their vibrant colours and Mediterranean flavours, these little bites bring a touch of Italian love to your table. Plus if you need to serve a vegetarian meal these are a great option.
Ingredients (for 2 of course)
- 4 slices of bread
- 16 cl of sundries tomatoes
- 150 gr of ricotta
- 6 sprigs of chives
Recipe
Step 1: prepare your base
Toast the slices of bread in a toaster.
Step 2: prepare your toppings
Drain the sun-dried tomatoes. Clean and blot dry the chives then chop them finely. In a bowl, beat the ricotta with salt and pepper.
Step 3: combine your ingredients
Spread the toasted bread slices with the ricotta. Divide the sun-dried tomatoes over the top. Sprinkle with the chopped chives.
Step 4: enjoy!
Serve and enjoy immediately while the slices of bread are still warm!
For something different, you can also make these bruschetta with other ingredients. For example, use fresh goat's cheese instead of ricotta. Or use peppers marinated in olive oil instead of tomatoes. Something for every gourmet!
Recipe source: cuisine AZ
2. Le plat : Pappardelle à la mousse de saumon
With their wide ribbons of pasta coated in a delicate salmon mousse, this dish combines elegance and exquisite flavours to seduce your loved one's taste buds. Served with a glass of sparkling white wine, these pappardelle with salmon mousse are the perfect choice for a memorable Valentine's Day evening.
Ingredients (for 2)
- 70 g smoked salmon, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dill, chopped
- 200 g pappardelle-type pasta
- a squeeze of lemon, and grated zest
- salt and pepper to taste
Recette
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add a generous amount of salt and then add your pasta and boil until cooked (follow the timings on the packet)
Step 2: Create the mousse
Meanwhile, mix the cream with the smoked salmon, dill, lemon zest and juice, and add salt and pepper.
Step 3: Create quenelles
Use two tablespoons to create a neat, and smooth scoop of mousse ( a "quenelle"). Place your quenelles on a sheet of baking parchment and chill.
Step 4: Plate the pasta
Arrange the hot pasta on 2 plates. To prevent the pasta drying out, add 1 tablespoon of cooking water and toss.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, top the pasta with your salmon quenelles. Garnish with dill and serve with love!
Prefer to focus on a home made dessert? You can order our delicious smoked salmon and lemon tagliatelle to be delivered direct to your door, anywhere in Switzerland. Take a look at our meal delivery menu.
3. Dessert: Soft chocolate with a fondant caramel heart
There's nothing better to round off your evening together than a soft and chocolate-y dessert. The best comfort food, this exquisite dessert combines the richness of dark chocolate with the bewitching sweetness of caramel, creating an explosion of flavours and textures in every bite. As you dip your spoon into this sweet delight, the melting core of warm caramel spreads deliciously, enveloping your palate in a sweet sensation.
Ingredients (for 2)
- 40 g caster sugar
- 25 g flour
- 40 g soft salted butter caramel
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 60 g salted butter
- 20g almond powder
- 1 pinch cinnamon or cayenne pepper
Recette
Preheat the oven to 210°C. For a successful fondant it's important to make sure it reaches the target temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar, add 25 g sifted flour, then 40 g almond powder.
Melt the chocolate with 100 g of butter and stir in to your bowl.
Add the cinnamon (or chilli if you prefer something spicy) and the soft toffee, cut into 1 cm cubes.
Butter 2 ramekins 8 to 10 cm in diameter, and sprinkle a small amount of flour across the butter to give your fondant a slightly crunchy outside.
Divide the mixture between the ramekins, then place in the oven and cook for exactly 8 minutes.
Recipe : marmiton
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