February 8, 2012 in Food

Simple celebrations …

Quick, creative dishes can make Tuesday’s Valentine meal special
Compiled By Lorie Hutson The Spokesman-Review
 

Chicken Piccata is an inexpensive dish to prepare.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)

Need more help?

• Try the Romantic Menu Planner at epicurious.com. Answer a series of questions about your intentions, the type of meal you want, food preferences, cooking ability, etc. and the editors at epicurious will suggest a menu. Find it at: www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/ holidays/valentinesday/ romanticmenuplanner.

• Click through a series of recipes and choose a plan for Valentine’s Day with the Fine Cooking Valentine’s Day menu maker. When you’re finished, the program will give you a shopping list to make it easier at the grocery store. Find it at: www.finecooking.com/create- your-own-menu/ valentines-day.aspx.

• Still too much? Try reservations or “Bistro in a Box” from Latah Bistro. In addition to a French-themed menu – complete with four-course vegan and vegetarian options – chef David Blaine has designed a takeout menu for Valentine’s Day only.

The four-course, heat-and-serve dinner features a choice of veal banquette or trout almandine. It is $79 without wine or $99 with a bottle of Latah Bistro Red Blend. Call for more details or go to lounge.latahbistro.com. Takeout dinners must be ordered by Friday. Reach the restaurant at (509) 838-8338.

Tuesday nights aren’t really known for romance.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a weeknight so many will celebrate with reservations for dinner, movies and flowers the weekend before. Restaurants will be offering Valentine’s Day menus starting the weekend before the holiday.

Still, it might not feel right if you don’t mark the holiday in some way on Tuesday night. We’ve whipped together some main course and dessert ideas for quick, weeknight offerings that will help you indulge your sweetheart (or your little sweethearts) without spending too much time in the kitchen.

The recipes come together quickly or can be pulled together the night before. Add a little candlelight and music for a nice homemade meal.

The recipes are inside today’s section on page C3.

Romantic Indulgence

• Tenderloin of Beef with Blue Cheese and Herb Crust

• Affogato Mocha

Healthy Hearts

• Prosciutto-Wrapped Cod with Pesto Potatoes and Green Beans

• Dairyless Chocolate Mousse

Cheap Date

• Chicken Piccata

• Mini Cheesecakes with Strawberries

Family Dinner

• Heart-shaped Handpies or Ham, Gruyere and Onion Flipsides

• Strawberry Shortcake Skewers with whipped cream or Sweetie Pie Pops

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One comment on this story so far. Add yours!

  • Al_Loysius on February 08 at 9:13 a.m.

    I noticed the mention of “affogato mocha” in your article. Just a small bit of trivia: “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian.

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