Valentine Recipe References : Menu 4

Valentine's Day Menu
By: Noraini Maskuri

If you want to make a difference this Valentine, try cooking that special meal for your loved one. Express your Valentine wishes in a different way by preparing a theme valentine recipes. Or you can do it together, isn't that a great way to kickstart a great romance or rekindle an old one.

Strawberries In Red Wine

* 3/4 cup Fresh Strawberries
* 1 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
* 1 teaspoon Orange Flavored Liqueur
* 1/2 teaspoon Cognac
* Red Wine

For each serving, spoon 3/4 of a cup quartered fresh strawberries into a large wine glass. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon orange-flavored liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon Cognac. Fill each glass with red wine to cover the berries. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours

Steak Lover`s Fettuccini Alfredo

* 1 ounce clarified butter
* 4 ounces beef tenderloin tips
* 1 cup broccoli, red pepper, portabella strips
* 1/4 cup corn, scallion, red and green peppers (small diced)
* 1 tablespoon fresh garlic
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan
* 8 ounces cooked pasta
* 1 tablespoon sliced green onion

Heat butter. Sear meat and add veggies. Add heavy cream and reduce down. Add Parmesan cheese. When it begins to thicken add to pasta. Serve hot, topped with scallions and Parmesan cheese.

Or if you prefer fish, you can opt for Salmon steaks for the main dish:

Special Salmon Steaks

* 2 salmon steaks
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced thinly
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/3 cup sherry
* 1 cup cream
* 1/2 cup chicken stock
* 2 ounces capers
* 2 tablespoons parsley

Saute the mushrooms in the butter until thoroughly cooked but not yet browning.

Add the sherry and let simmer until the alcohol has evaporated. Add the cream and chicken stock. Thoroughly rinse the capers (they're usually purchased in brine and you don't want the acidic taste) and add to sauce Broil the salmon steaks - about 5-7 minutes a side, depending on thickness. The sauce should simmer while the steaks are cooking, to thicken it a bit. when the salmon is cooked pour the sauce over to serve. Extra sauce is great on potatoes.

Ultimate Valentine's Day Cookie

* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 6 drops red food color

Creamy Decorator's Frosting

* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half

Heat oven to 400 F. Beat powdered sugar, butter and vinegar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients except food color. Divide dough in half. Mix food color into one half. (If dough is too dry, stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.)

Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered surface. Cut into heart shapes with various sizes of cookie cutters. Place smaller hearts on larger hearts of different color dough if desired. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool 1 to 2 minutes; carefully remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. If desired, decorate with white and pink Creamy Decorator's Frosting.

Creamy Decorator's Frosting: Stir together all ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Tint with food color if desired.

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Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/