Valentine’s Day Full Course Menu for Two

Who needs reservations? Skip the crowded restaurants and overpriced meals and take matters into your own hands by cooking up some love in the comfort of your own home. Better yet, cook with your loved one for some added bonding time. We’ve put together the ultimate three course dinner that is decadent and delicious and perfect for a romantic dinner for two. They say the way to the heart is through the stomach and with this meal, that couldn’t be more true.

Course One: Strawberry Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

This salad is oh-so-satisfying! Rich balsamic, sweet berries, and tangy feta hit every taste bud. The crunch of the lightly toasted almonds add the perfect texture. Add a little heart-healthy greens and it’s love at first sight!

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries
• 8 cups mixed salad greens
• ½ red onion
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• 4 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 teaspoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbles

Directions

1. Slice the strawberries and red onion.
2. In a small frying pan over medium heat, lightly toast the sliced almonds.
3. Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a covered mason jar and shake until well combined.
4. Toss the salad greens with strawberries and onions.
5. Sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles.
6. Drizzle the vinaigrette to taste.

Wine Pairing

Course Two: Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce

Who says you can’t spoil yourself on Valentine’s Day? This cheesy and creamy sauce drapes itself over pillowy potato gnocchi bites. Every bite is pure bliss. Go ahead, treat yourself, it’s the perfect occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ lb soft gorgonzola, cut into 1-inch dice
• 1 ½ tsp. all purpose flour
• 16 oz. packaged potato gnocchi
• ⅓ cup chopped flat leaf parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat the heavy cream in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until bubbles form
2. Add the gorgonzola and cook, stirring, until it’s completely melted.
3. Reduce head to medium and whisk in the flour.
4. Cook until sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and cover to keep warm.
6. Cook the gnocchi according to package.
7. Drain and toss in the sauce.
8. Salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with parsley.

Wine Pairing

Course Three: Chocolate Mousse

This chocolate delight is best savored slowly. Light, airy and perfectly sweet, we recommend serving it in one glass with two spoons.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chilled heavy cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 7 oz. fine quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
• Garnish with sweetened whipped cream

Directions

1. Heat 3/4 cup cream in a 1-quart heavy saucepan until hot.
2. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a metal bowl, then slowly whisk in hot cream.
3. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until it registers 160°F on thermometer.
4. Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in vanilla.
5. Melt chocolate in a double boiler over a pan of simmering water.
6. Whisk custard into chocolate until smooth, then cool.
7. Beat remaining 1 ¼ cups cream in a bowl with an electric mixer until it holds stiff peaks.
8. Whisk ¼ of the cream into chocolate custard to lighten, then fold in remaining cream gently.
9. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Wine Pairing