Celebrate Valentine\\\'s Day At Home

Majority of people will celebrate Valentine’s Day by going to eat a Valentine's menu at the restaurant.  But so many couples do this on Valentine’s Day that we have to make reservation a long time before February 14th and in restaurants that do not take reservations we have to wait a long time before being seated.There is an alternative to the Valentine's Day restaurant: cooking dinner at home.Firstly, ask your partner to help you cook the meal: it is a great way to spend more time together. Do not plan an elaborate meal if your partner is not a great cooker. On the other hand, if you cook an elaborate meal, working together will ensure that your meal will turn out great. When you plan to cook your Valentine's Day dinner, ensure you to purchase the ingredients in advance in order to not scramble at the last minute to find the missing ingredients. This will also avoid an unnecessary stress.  Another thing to consider when you cook your Valentine's Day dinner is that your partner will enjoy the meal you selected. Ensure you that your partner has no allergies or dietary restrictions or, simply, that your partner is not vegetarian while you plan to cook roast beef.If Valentine's Day happens on a working day, set the table as soon as you come back from your day job. Deco ideas: a bloomed centerpiece surrounded by two candles; put the wine bottle in an ice bucket... Light the candles when the meal is almost ready, this way, they will not be entirely consumed when you will be seated at the table.Plan to give your present at the end of the dinner; this will prolong the festive atmosphere of the evening.Valentine's Day Menu Idea:Valentine's Cocktail4 cl passion fruit liquor, 4 cl pineapple juice, 16 cl champagneAppetizers* Eggs filled with tuna and salmon creamIngredients:Canned tunaCanned salmon3 boiled eggsMayonnaiseDirections:Cut each egg in two partsMix yolks, tuna, salmon and mayonnaiseFill the egg whites with the mixtureServe cold* Stuffed MushroomsIngredients:6 mushroomsLemon juice2 cloves garlic20 g melted butter1 tbs tablespoons cognac2 tbs bread crumbs2 tbs chopped parsley SaltPepperDirections :Preheat oven to 392° FClean the mushroomsChop the mushrooms feetsSprinkle with lemon juiceIn a saucepan brown the melted butter and garlic Add chopped mushrooms feets and cook 5 minAdd cognac, bread crumbs and parsley Mix Salt and pepper to tastePut the mushrooms in a baking dish and stuff with the mixtureBake in the oven for 12 minStarterScampi In Pink CreamIngredients :12 cooked prawns2 sliced onions (optional)20 cl cream (0% fat)10 cl wine or 5 cl brandy 1 tbs of tomato puree1 clove garlic1 tbs melted butterSaltPepperDirections :In a saucepan, melt butter, prawns, garlic, sliced onions, salt and pepperTake a few moments backPour the wine or brandy and let evaporateAdd the tomato puree and fresh creamPut the mixture in two baking dishesSprinkle grated Emmenthal or GruyerPass under the grillServe with French bread.Original:Replace the white wine or brandy by scotch or... amaretto.Main DishSole and Mashed PotatoesIngredients :2 filets de sole200 g sliced mushrooms20 cl crème fraîche à 0% de matière grasse250 g mashed potatoesJus de citron1 tbs butterSalt, pepper to tasteDirections :Melt 1 tbs butter in large skilletBrown sole fillets for a few minutesWhen cooked, remove filets to a serving plate; keep warmPour lemon juice and the mushrooms in the skillet on medium heat until cookedAdd cream, salt and pepperServe immediatelyDessertChocolate CakeIngredients :100 g butter100 g black chocolate150 g sugar3 eggs50 g flourDirections :Pre-heat the oven (320° F)In a saucepan (low fire), melt chocolate and butter, stirring until smoothIn a bowl, assemble eggs and flourAdd the mixture butter/chocolate and mix until smooth Pour the mixture in a baking plateBake at 320° F for 20 minutesServe sprinkled with icing sugar.Bon appetit and Happy Valentine's Day!